Ukrainian pilots to start training to operate F16 next week – media

12:55, 14.10.2023 1 min read

Ukrainian pilots will start training to fly F16 fighter jets in Arizona next week, Politico said.

According to the publication, citing four U.S. officials, Aasmall number of pilots, who arrived in the United States last month to participate in an English language course at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, have passed their first test for English proficiency and are headed to Morris Air National Guard Base in Arizona.

Ukrainians are expected to will first learn the basics of operating the F-16 in the classroom and in simulators before moving on to flying the actual jets, as is typical for any Air Force pilot training program. However, the course may be accelerated due to the urgent need to get them back to the battlefield.

Previously, the United States said the first Ukrainian pilots who will train on the F16 could complete the program in three months, but they will carry out combat missions later.