Six Ukrainian pilots have completed basic training to fly the F-16 in the UK.
The first six Ukrainian pilots to complete basic training in the Royal Air Force are now training to fly F-16 fighter jets in Denmark. This was reported by the press service of the British government on Tuesday, December 26.
Training began in Britain in August. Six experienced Ukrainian pilots completed the training. Ten more trainee pilots are continuing basic flight training, aviation medicine and centrifuge training in Britain.
“I could not be more proud of the RAF’s support for the next generation of Ukrainian pilots and ground crew who will be the first line of defense in defending Ukraine’s skies,” said UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps.
The aim of the UK program is to teach the skills needed to progress to the next stage of Western fighter aircraft training, aligning them with a common NATO flight strategy.
Pilots undergo practical training in Grob Tutor aircraft. They learn basic control techniques, instrument flying, mid- and low-level navigation, and swarm flight. After completing their training in Britain, the pilots will undergo training abroad in Europe to improve their flying skills.
Dozens of Ukrainian aviation technicians are undergoing English language training focused on engineering specialties.
We remind you that the Netherlands has promised 42 F-16 fighters for Ukraine. In turn, Denmark will provide 19 aircraft, six of them by the end of this year. The transfer of F-16s was also announced by Norway, which has about 60 aircraft.
Recently, the Dutch government decided to prepare the first 18 F-16 fighters for transfer to Ukraine.
Source: korrespondent
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