Ukrainian pilots to begin F-16 training in US next week — report
Ukrainian pilots will start training to fly
F-16
fighter jets at an Air National Guard base in Tucson, Arizona, next week,
Politico reported on Oct. 13, citing several U.S. sources.
According to the report, a small number of pilots, who arrived in the United States last month for language courses, passed their first English language test and are headed to the base in Arizona. Training will take place at the main F-16 Air Force learning center — the 162nd Wing.
The pilots will initially learn the basics of controlling F-16 jets in the classroom and on simulators, before moving on to training on actual fighter jets. The preparation process could be accelerated compared to other Air Force pilot training programs due to the urgent need to return them to the battlefield, one source said.
The United States previously announced that, together with the Netherlands and Denmark, it will lead a coalition of countries that will train Ukrainians in handling and maintaining F-16s. Eleven countries have agreed to assist with training. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that the first jets could arrive in Ukraine in the spring of 2024.
A group of Ukrainian pilots in Europe is already undergoing training on F-16 simulators.
On Aug. 20, the Netherlands, along with Denmark, promised to provide Ukraine with 61 aircraft — 42 and 19, respectively. Norway later confirmed its intention to supply F-16s.
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