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The first group of six Ukrainian pilots completed the basic training in the UK. The pilots have begun training on F-16 fighter jets in Denmark, the press service of the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom reported on December 26.
The UK Ministry of Defense reported that “the first cohort of Ukrainian pilots to receive training from the Royal Air Force are now learning to fly F-16 fighter jets in Denmark, having completed a basic programme of training in the UK.”
The first Ukrainian group began receiving flying and language lessons in August. In less than six months, Ukrainian professionals learned English and are finally ready to approach precious F-16 fighters.
The second group of ten Ukrainian pilots continue the language training and “remain in the UK to continue with practical basic flight training, as well as to learn important skills such as aviation medicine and centrifuge training.”
Last week, the Netherlands announced that it was preparing to transfer the first batch of 18 F-16 to Ukraine, but clarified that all necessary documentation should be completed first, and the Ukrainian military should prepare air bases and a sufficient number of trained personnel.
Judging by public statements from various countries, the completion of at least a basic training course by Ukrainian pilots had not been announced by any other country. The British group, apparently, was the first. With such a speed of pilot training, Kiev is unlikely to deploy the first foreign fighters in the battles soon. Meanwhile, Russian strikes are destroying Ukrainian military infrastructure necessary for their operation. LINK
