Ukrainian pilots now flying F-16s with Instructors — Ukrainian Air Force
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Ukrainian pilots in training are now flying F-16 fighter jets with instructors abroad, Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat told Ukrainian TV broadcasters on Jan. 22.
"The pilots are already flying with instructors; they now need to log a certain number of [flight] hours," said Ihnat.
He noted that the training process could be delayed by weather conditions or holidays in the host countries. However, the training continues, especially in Denmark, the United States, and the UK. Ukrainians personnel in other countries are also being trained to service F-16 jets.
Ihnat added that Kyiv’s partners are training Ukrainian pilots under a regime of strict secrecy, so the details of the process are scarce and rarely disclosed.
On May 19, 2023, UK PM Rishi Sunak announced that his country, along with the United States, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark, agreed to participate in the training of Ukrainian pilots on Western military jets.
On July 6, 2023, Romania declared it would open a regional F-16 fighter training center available to its allies and partners, including Ukraine.
On Aug. 20, 2023, the Netherlands and Denmark pledged to donate a total of 61 F-16 aircraft to Ukraine — 42 and 19 respectively.
On Jan. 5, the Pentagon announced that Ukrainian F-16 pilots would be ready for combat duty later in 2024.
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