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The Pentagon announced on Thursday that the United States will train Ukrainian fighter-jet pilots in Arizona starting this autumn.
The pilots will undergo English language education at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, in September and are expected to begin their training at the Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson in October.
Pentagon press secretary Patrick Ryder stated, “The United States will soon commence the training of Ukrainian pilots to operate and maintain F-16 fighter aircraft in order to enhance Ukraine’s long-term defensive capabilities.”
Although the precise number of pilots involved has yet to be determined, Ryder mentioned that the training program is likely to include several pilots and dozens of crew members responsible for the maintenance of the advanced fighter jets. The selection of participating pilots will be carried out by Ukraine.
American officials had previously expressed their willingness to train Ukrainian pilots in the US if European capacity proved inadequate. Ryder clarified that the US decision was a proactive measure to ensure the smooth functioning of the international program.
Once the training is completed, Ukraine’s European allies plan to deliver F-16s to the country. The US has pledged its support for the transfers but will not be providing its own aircraft.
“We’re looking at a timeline of months, not weeks,” Ryder added, emphasizing that the purpose of the aircraft is to bolster Ukraine’s long-term security rather than for immediate use in the counteroffensive.
The US training program is designed to complement similar efforts by Denmark and the Netherlands in Europe. Both countries have committed to donating F-16s to Ukraine, and Norway has also announced its intention to provide fighter jets.
Denmark has already commenced training eight Ukrainian pilots to operate F-16s earlier this week.
Individual pilots’ skill assessments will be conducted as part of the American training program to determine the duration of their training.
For American pilots with limited experience, F-16 training typically lasts around eight months, while more seasoned pilots undergo a shorter training period of approximately five months.
“The duration of training will largely depend on the capabilities of each individual pilot,” Ryder explained.
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