Training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 may be conducted in the United States - Pentagon
Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder (flickr by Secretary of Defense Public Affairs)
The United States of America is pepared to conduct training for Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets within its own territory if needed, according to the Pentagon spokesperson, Brigadier General of the US Air Force, Pat Ryder, as reported by CNN.
According to the American official, the United States is “prepared to support” F-16 fighter pilot training for Ukrainian pilots in the continental US if needed.
"We are prepared to support a training effort here in the continental United States if capacity is reached in Europe," stated the Pentagon representative.
Ryder also added that there are no "specifics to provide right now in terms of which bases that training could occur at."
"But certainly if the decision is made to do that, and we move forward, we'll be sure to provide you with updates on that," said Pat Ryder.
Training on F-16s and the transfer of fighter jets to Ukraine
On August 18, the United States had approved the transfer of F-16 aircraft to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands. National Security Advisor to the U.S. President, Jake Sullivan, said that Ukraine would receive the fighter jets after the completion of pilot training.
Later, it was reported that the Netherlands might provide Ukraine with 42 fighter jets, while Denmark would supply an additional 19.
On August 22, Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said that Ukraine would not receive the first F-16 fighter jets earlier than 6-7 months from now, as the transfer of the aircraft depends on the duration of training for Ukrainian pilots.
Prior to this, on August 19, Defense Minister Reznikov mentioned that Ukrainian pilots, engineers, and technicians had already begun training on American F-16 fighter jets.
Additionally, during his visit to Athens, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Greece would participate in the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets.
