The training of Ukrainian pilots on American F16 fighter jets may take five months or longer, depending on the speed of progress, Pentagon Spokesman Pat Ryder said.

“The Pentagon estimates it would take five to nine months for the Ukrainian pilots to complete the F16 training in Arizona. The graduation completion will be dependent on the individual proficiency of the pilots, spokesperson of the U.S. Department of Defense, Pat Ryder, answered my question,” Voice of America correspondent Ostap Yarysh said on X social network.

Earlier, the United States predicted that the first Ukrainian pilots, who will be trained at F16, can complete the program in three months, but they will perform combat missions later.