August 25, 2023
1 min read

US Launches F-16 Training for Ukrainian Pilots

After the trainees grasp the necessary language skills, they will then be trained on how to actually fly the F-16, and this process will begin in October at Morris Air National Guard Base in Arizona, Ryder said…reports Asian Lite News

The US will begin training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets in September at US Air Force bases in two southern states, the Department of Defense announced.

The training, which will include “several pilots and dozens of maintainers,” will start in September with English-language classes to be offered at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder told a press briefing on Thursday.

After the trainees grasp the necessary language skills, they will then be trained on how to actually fly the F-16, and this process will begin in October at Morris Air National Guard Base in Arizona, Ryder said.

The training in the US “will be the fundamental fighter pilot training,” he said, adding that the exact curriculum for the Ukrainian pilots will depend on their levels of experience, of which an assessment is also part of the training programme, Xinhua news agency reported.

On the duration of the training, Ryder said it typically takes eight months for a new F-16 pilot with not a lot of training on the US side to complete the process, and “within the five-month range” for an experienced pilot receiving “upgrade training”.

Currently, European countries are leading the effort to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s and other advanced fighters made by Western countries, with Demark and the Netherlands now prepared to undertake the task. The US government previously said it would do its part to provide training on US soil if and when Europe reached the full capacity.

Without giving a specific timeline of F-16 deliveries, Ryder said it could be months ahead, adding that European countries are looking to provide the aircraft “and the US will support that effort through the third-party transfer process”.

ALSO READ-Thousands flee homes across British Columbia from wildfires

Previous Story

Iran Highlights BRICS’ Role in Global Affairs, Eyes Membership

Next Story

UAE Welcomes BRICS Membership

Latest from -Top News

Trump Lashes Out Over Fragile Truce

Trump mentioned that both countries “violated” the ceasefire that was announced late Monday….reports Asian Lite News US President Donald Trump on Tuesday issued a stern warning to both Israel and Iran, accusing

Global Brands Linked to Uyghur Labour Abuse

Labour rights experts warn that global brands are failing to account for the realities of their operations…reports Asian Lite News A recent investigation by The Bureau of Investigative Journalism has found that

Jaishankar Pays Tribute to Kanishka Victims

Jaishankar emphasised that the anniversary of the attack is a “stark reminder of why the world must show zero tolerance towards terrorism and violent extremism.”….reports Asian Lite News On the 40th anniversary

Taliban Severs Oil Deal with China Amid Growing Friction

Several countries have recently withdrawn from Chinese-funded infrastructure and resource deals, citing quality concerns, lack of transparency, and limited benefits for local populations….reports Asian Lite News The Taliban has cancelled a $540

India Targets Terror at SCO Meet

In addition to addressing the plenary, Singh will hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from several participating nations, including China and Russia….reports Asian Lite News In a renewed diplomatic offensive against Pakistan-sponsored
Go toTop

Don't Miss

‘US help for Ukraine is not too late’

The necessary Senate approval is considered certain and is expected

Russian missiles hit Kiev

Air raid sirens reportedly also rang out across several other