Pentagon: Biden Gives Green Light for Training Ukrainian Pilots on F-16s
The Pentagon has confirmed that US President Joe Biden has given the green light for the initiation and support of training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets.
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh made this announcement during a briefing.
When asked by journalists about any updated information from the US regarding the approval of the training program for Ukrainian pilots on F-16s, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh responded:
"As you know, Denmark and the Netherlands are leading the training. President Biden has given the green light to allow the commencement of training and to support them."
She added that she does not possess more specific information regarding the training of individual pilots.
The Pentagon spokesperson noted that the defence contact group for Ukraine consists of 50 different partners and allay countries from around the world.
"These are global efforts, and the United States will continue to support Ukraine as much as necessary," she concluded.
Last month, the US stated that they would allow European allied countries to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets, potentially enhancing Ukraine's capabilities in countering Russia in the air.
In mid-July, 11 partner countries along with Ukraine signed a memorandum outlining the terms of training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets. The training is scheduled to commence in August.
Last week, Politico reported, citing unnamed sources in the US, that the first group of Ukrainian pilots to participate in F-16 training has been selected. As soon as European allies formalize the training plans, which will be approved by the US, eight proficient English-speaking Ukrainian pilots are ready to begin training on the fighter jets.
An additional 20 pilots with basic English language skills will initially undergo language improvement lessons in the United Kingdom over the course of a month.
A total of 32 Ukrainian pilots have been designated for potential participation in the F-16 training program, though a significant language barrier remains for those lacking English proficiency.
Previously, the White House National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, John Kirby, announced that F-16s could be integrated into the Ukrainian army by the end of this year.