Pentagon comments on training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 in the US

Several Ukrainian pilots have completed training for F-16 flights in the United States and left for Europe, but the process of training other specialists continues.

This was stated by Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"More than a dozen pilots are currently training on F-16s in both Denmark and the United States," the defense official said.

He emphasized that, for reasons of operational security, he could not go into specific figures on the number of Ukrainians undergoing training, as well as training schedules. At the same time, the US Defense Department spokesman continued, the training process will depend, among other things, on the pilots' flight experience and English language proficiency. In addition, according to Ryder, there is a need to prepare the material and technical base for the deployment of the F-16.

"That's why the Air Force coalition formed by the Ukraine Defense Contact Group continues to look at this holistically and take into account its needs," the general said.

Ryder also informed that some Ukrainian pilots have completed their training in the United States and have gone to Europe. However, the status of trained specialists, he said, should be discussed by the Ukrainian side.

The US Department of Defense representative added that there would be more information on this issue in the near future. In this context, he confirmed the information that F-16s will be delivered to Ukraine this summer.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 03/07/2024