F-16 training: US launches language courses for Ukrainian pilots
Pravda Ukraine
The United States has officially confirmed the beginning of English language courses as a part of a program to train Ukrainian pilots to operate F-16 fighter jets.
Source: Ukrinform news agency, citing Sabrina Singh, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary
Quote: “English language training has started for several pilots.”
Details: Singh noted that the courses’ duration will depend on the skills that the Ukrainian military already have.
Singh also admitted that the potential government shutdown that could happen in the US on 1 October may have some effect on the language training of Ukrainian pilots. In particular, this is about civilian personnel involved in training, who cannot work in the conditions of the budget funding suspension.
Background:
- In early September, the then Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov stated that the Armed Forces would have the F-16s for front line use in the spring of 2024.
- The Ukrainian military leadership expects that its Armed Forces will be able to use F-16 fighter jets on the battlefield this winter.
- The first group of pilots could finish their training on F-16 fighter jets in the United States before the end of the year, but they won’t be able to perform combat missions until later.
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