The Ukrainian pilots have already completed language courses and are due to begin training on F-16 fighter jets next week at the US Air National Guard Air Base in Arizona.

Source: European Pravda; Politico, citing four sources

Details: As Politico has learned, a small group of Ukrainian pilots who arrived in the US in September have completed language training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and are on their way to an air base in Arizona, where they will receive flight training.

The Ukrainians are expected to first learn the basics of F-16 operation in the classroom and on simulators, and then move on to flying real aircraft. At the same time, the course may be accelerated due to the need for Ukrainians to return to participate in combat operations in their homeland.

Previously, the US predicted that the first Ukrainian pilots to train on the F-16 could complete the programme in three months, but they would be able to perform combat missions later.

Earlier this week, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin announced the creation of several Capabilities Coalitions for Kyiv, including the training of the Ukrainian Air Force, which will be led by the US, Denmark and the Netherlands.

Austin said that the first F-16 jets may be delivered to Ukraine no earlier than spring 2024.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!