Air Force spokesperson said in a statement provided to Air & Space Forces Magazine that Ukrainian pilots have started training to fly the F-16 fighter jets in Arizona.
They will be trained by elite US trainers which will last for several months and the programme is tailored to each individual pilot’s skills and knowledge.
Normally a typical F-16 training course last for around six months but, US pilot school instructors have indicated the Ukrainian pilots are unlikely to follow the standard US model as the course is designed to Ukraine’s need to protect its skies from Russian forces.
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A service spokesperson said, “A ‘small number’ of Ukrainian pilots began training with the 162nd Wing of the Arizona Air National Guard earlier this week in ‘F-16 fundamentals.”
Ukrainian pilots are also being trained in European nations on how to operate the F-16 fighter jets.
Air & Space Forces Magazine also reported, “Training of F-16 pilots typically includes significant classroom and simulator time in addition to training in the air.
“Foreign F-16 pilots also have to undergo English language training, which Ukrainians began last month at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.”
The U.S. Air Force spokesperson said the training of Ukrainian pilots at the 162nd Wing “follows President Biden and Secretary Austin’s decision to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s as part of the United States’ contribution to Ukraine.
