The Pentagon intends to start training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets in the United States of America in September.
It is reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to The New York Times .
The publication recalls that last week, representatives of the US Department of Defense stated that the Americans would train Ukrainian pilots if European countries reached their maximum potential in this matter.
Now, Washington’s position on pilot training has changed. The fighters of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will be trained in the United States as soon as Ukraine determines them .
As the journalists clarify, it is unclear whether pilots originally intended for European training programs will be trained in the United States, or whether this will be an additional group.
The NYT notes that the decision about training can be officially announced today, August 24.
“Pilots will first receive English language training in Texas and then begin months of flight training in Arizona,” an unnamed U.S. official said.
What came before
Recall that earlier part of the Western countries agreed to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighters as part of an aviation coalition. Training will be held in Denmark and Romania.
Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway also promised to provide Ukraine with F-16s. As of now, it is known that at least 61 aircraft from Denmark and the Netherlands will be delivered to our country.
It should be noted that the planned transfer of the F-16 to Ukraine became known today, August 24 , during the visit of Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stere.
Source : RBC
