The United States will offer training for Ukrainian pilots to operate F-16 fighter jets.

Source: Brigadier General Patrick S. Ryder, US Department of Defense Press Secretary, during a press briefing at the Pentagon

Details: Ryder said that the US will support international efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s long-term defence capabilities by training Ukrainians to operate and service F-16s.

The Ukrainian pilots are expected to start training to fly F-16s at Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona, in October, after they complete language courses in September.

Ryder also said the number of Ukrainians to be trained in the US has not yet been confirmed, but it will likely be several pilots and dozens of support personnel.

He stressed that the US training will complement similar efforts by Washington’s allies in Europe.

Background: 

• The Pentagon said the US will train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets if European countries lag behind their schedule or if the number of pilots increases significantly.
• Ukrainian pilots are known to have already started training to operate the F-16 fighter jets in Denmark. Greece and Portugal will also train Ukrainian pilots on the F-16s.
• Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway have announced their decision to transfer F-16s to Kyiv after the training is completed.

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