Ukrainian pilots could begin training to fly US-manufactured F-16 fighter jets as soon as this summer, the Dutch defense minister told Reuters, a first step toward supplying Kyiv with a powerful, long-term capability in its war with Russia
NATO allies the Netherlands and Denmark are leading an international coalition to train pilots and support staff, maintain aircraft and ultimately supply F-16s to Ukraine. Previously, the Netherlands had said it aimed to start training Ukrainian pilots "as soon as possible", but had stopped short of specifying when such training could get under way.
A final decision has not yet been taken on a request from Kyiv to supply dozens of F-16s, Ollongren said. The U.S.-backed training program will include Belgium and Luxembourg, while France and Britain have offered assistance, she said. "It is a very strong weapons system. It's a very strong capability. But it's not going to be available anytime soon and President Zelenskiy, of course, knows that," Ollongren said.
It usually takes roughly 2.5 years to become a fighter pilot in the Netherlands. A U.S official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said estimates on the training time are still being finalised, but that it could take as little as four months to teach basic F-16 skills to an experienced Ukrainian pilot.
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