F-16 pilot training hasn't begun, waiting for first group to leave – Ukrainian Air Force Spokesperson
The training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets has not yet begun, and the first group of pilots is expected to leave, having prepared for the exercise, including by learning English.
Source: European Pravda, citing Yurii Ihnat, Spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force, on air during the national joint 24/7 newscast
Quote from Ihnat: "The first group of pilots will be the first wave to undergo retraining, then the second wave and so on. These are the pilots who will be directly trained by instructors in different countries that have provided us with sites."
Details: Ihnat said that the pilots had prepared for the exercise by learning English. "The aircraft terminology there is somewhat specific, so it took some time," Ihnat emphasised.
He said that technical staff will also be trained, but they will have a different programme than the pilots.
More details: The Air Force subsequently pointed to the incorrect presentation of information by some Ukrainian media that the training of Ukrainian pilots had allegedly begun. "Those who have already 'sent pilots' to the F-16s, please provide the primary source where the spokesperson for the Air Force said this," the Air Force wrote on Telegram.
Background:
- During the NATO summit in Lithuania, Reznikov signed a memorandum with 11 coalition member states that set out the conditions for training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets.
- The member states of the fighter coalition also agreed that training for Ukrainian pilots to fly Western F-16s will begin in Denmark in August.
- Media reports indicate that Romania will start training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 combat aircraft, likely next month.
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