The American Pentagon announced today that in October the training of Ukrainian pilots in F-16 fighter jets will begin in Arizona.
Pentagon spokesman Air Force Brigadier General Pat Ryder said training of the Ukrainian pilots will begin after they complete English language courses. The training will be attended by pilots and aircraft maintenance technicians, Ryder added.
On Sunday, Denmark and the Netherlands pledged to deliver F-16s to Ukraine, fulfilling a months-long request by Kiev, which sees a boost to its air force as key to the successful outcome of its counteroffensive to liberate occupied Ukrainian territory. For his part, the Prime Minister of Norway announced today that he intends to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
Denmark has already started training Ukrainian pilots in the F-16. Eight pilots and 65 fighter aircraft maintenance technicians are being trained at Skrindstrup Air Base.
US President Joe Biden in May approved programs to train Ukrainian pilots in F-16 fighter jets.
Ukraine’s allies in the West have repeatedly expressed their willingness to support – for as long as necessary – Kiev in its fight against the Russian invaders, while stressing that they do not want a NATO military confrontation with Moscow.
Source : Via Diplomacy
