DFEN - Ukrainian pilots to start F-16 training in U.S. soon
2023-08-25 04:43:42 ET
The U.S. will soon start training Ukrainian pilots to fly and maintain F-16 fighter jets, manufactured by Lockheed Martin ( NYSE: LMT ), joining other allies working to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses, in its efforts to push Russian troops from its territory.
After English language training next month in Texas, the pilots will start F-16 flying training in October in Tucson, Arizona, Pentagon Spokesman Brigadier General Patrick Ryder said Thursday at a press briefing.
This training will complement the F-16 pilot and maintenance training already underway in Europe, including efforts by Denmark and the Netherlands, both of which recently agreed to supply F-16s to Ukraine. Denmark has begun training eight Ukrainian pilots.
Depending on the pilots' experience, training will likely last between five and eight months, Ryder said. "Ukraine will determine the number of pilots that they require to go through the training."
Apart from the Netherlands and Denmark, Norway has vowed to donate the jets to Ukraine, although the number will likely be less than 10. Greece has pledged to keep up military support for Ukraine and will take part in training Ukrainian pilots on F-16s.
"Moving forward we will remain in close consultation with the Danes, the Dutch and other allies to ensure U.S. training complements the broader coalition training efforts," said Ryder.
More on Russia-Ukraine war:
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Netherlands, Denmark confirm plans to deliver F-16s to Ukraine after U.S. nod
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Nukes on the table as Ukraine warns that war is returning to Russia
- U.S. to provide cluster bombs to Ukraine in new military aid package
- U.S. said to consider sending long-range missiles to Ukraine
- Russia's invasion of Ukraine drives record in global defense spending: SIPRI
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Ukrainian pilots to start F-16 training in U.S. soon