About 20 Ukrainian pilots will begin the first phase of training on F-16 fighter jets in the UK.
Source. This was reported by Foreign Policy, citing an unnamed British government official.
"This will be basic ground training for Ukrainian pilots, after which they will be ready for more specialized training in the management of F-16 fighters (or other military aircraft)," the source said.
Ukraine hopes to send those who are already fluent in English to the training to speed up the process. The NATO training will include simulators and real aircraft.
Last week, the United Kingdom announced the launch of an international coalition of countries aimed at training Ukrainian pilots in fourth-generation fighter jets, including the F-16.
The coalition already includes Britain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, the United States, and Portugal. Acting Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said that Ukrainian pilots could start training on F-16s in July.
Background. Norway will support the training and education of Ukrainian pilots and personnel on F-16 fighters. On Wednesday, the head of the Norwegian Defense Ministry informed parliament of the government's decision to support the training of Ukrainian pilots.