The first batch of Ukrainian pilots has been identified to take part in F-16 training, which will bring Kyiv one step closer to deploying an advanced combat aircraft that could fend off a further Russian invasion.
About it writes Politico.
According to a U.S. official and a person who is familiar with Ukrainian planning but not authorized to officially speak about the plans, eight Ukrainian pilots who are fluent in English are ready to begin training on the fighter jet as soon as a formal training plan is developed by a small number of European allies and approved by the United States. . The exact timing of this instruction remains unclear.
The US representative also said that 20 pilots with some English could start language courses in the UK as early as this month. (Perhaps this is what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had in mind when he announced the start of F-16 training in August. Just 32 Ukrainian pilots — enough for two squadrons — have been identified for potential participation in the training program, but English language proficiency remains a stumbling block.
A coalition of 11 NATO countries will help Ukrainians learn how to fly American military aircraft, with much of the training taking place in Denmark and Romania. The Biden administration is still awaiting a formal offer to train European allies, but a US official said Washington “hopes” the request comes within a few weeks.
U.S. officials insist the F-16 is intended for years-long defense of Ukraine to make Russia think twice about stepping up its invasion of the country. The administration has repeatedly stated that it does not support Kyiv’s attacks inside Russia.
Also read
NatSec Daily has learned that Ukrainian officials have promised they will not use F-16s to fly over Russian sovereign territory and bomb targets.
At the same time, Politico wrote on July 28 that the Western partners did not agree on a training plan for Ukrainian pilots. on F-16 fighters.
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2023-08-05 19:19:48
#Ukrainian #pilots #ready #train #F16 #Politico
