The first group of Ukrainian pilots, consisting of four people, will complete the training program on F-16 aircraft by the summer of 2024.
What is known about the training of Ukrainian pilots
According to the Arizona National Guard, the first four Ukrainian pilots plan to complete training on F-16 fighter jets by the summer.
The pilots began training in mid-October last year at the 162nd Fighter Wing in Tucson, Arizona. The Pentagon said that the training process will last several months.
According to a spokesman for the Arizona Air National Guard, Capt Erin Hannigan, a second group of four pilots began training in January, and a third group of four pilots is currently undergoing English language training required to fly.
All pilots are expected to complete their training between May and August, Hannigan said, although the exact timing depends on the program's progress.
When Ukraine will receive the F-16
On February 18, Foreign Policy reported that Ukraine could receive the first F-16 fighters in the summer of 2024. It is probably about June.
The Air Force did not confirm or deny the receipt of F-16 fighter jets by Ukraine in June, refusing to talk about the terms. At the same time, they noted that Ukraine is already adapting the infrastructure for this type of aircraft.
The day before, on February 17, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that transferring F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine was on schedule. Ukraine is to receive more than 20 combat aircraft.
