Ukrainian pilots to start training on F-16s this summer
The Ukrainian air force will train on the fourth generation F-16 fighter jets this summer, providing Ukraine with a long-term advantage in its confrontation with Russia.
This was reported by Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren in an interview with Reuters.
Ollongren said the aim would be to have the training programme fully operational within six months adding that the US-backed training programme will include Belgium, Luxembourg, France, and the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, Denmark, with its aircraft simulators, may become a training center.
At the same time, Ollongren believes that the US fighter jets will not be able to radically change the situation on the frontlines of the Russian war in Ukraine, but will bring the country closer to NATO's military potential and will be a powerful backup to Ukrainian forces in the future.
"When the war is over Ukraine has to be able to defend itself to deter Russia from trying again. And I think...that's what the Ukrainians also see," Ollongren said.
Reuters also reports that according to their data, the upcoming training will begin with two groups of pilots of 12 people each with sufficient experience on Soviet MIG fighter jets.
To recap, last month, during the European tour of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, Britain, France, and the Netherlands announced their intention to help Kyiv get American fighter jets.
Afterwards, during a Ramstein meeting of defense ministers from 50 countries, the allies focused on providing Kyiv with the means to "defend the sky." At the time, Mark Milley stated that "Ukraine deserves a capable air force," but it's going to take a considerable length of time to build it up.
At the same time, during the summit of the European Political Community held in Moldova this year, the range of countries involved in the " fighter jet coalition" was outlined, including, in particular, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, Portugal, and France.
During the next Ramstein meeting, to take place on June 15 in Brussels, the partners are expected to focus again on air support for Ukrainians. In particular, they will discuss the training of pilots, technicians, and engineers, who will be engaged in aircraft maintenance.