Four Ukrainian pilots have started preparing for further training on F-16 fighter jets in France.
This was reported by BFMTV.
"Ukrainian aviators will be trained in the same way as the French Air Force pilots, but in half the time. Classes will be held on simulators, as well as on Alpha Jet aircraft, which have been decommissioned and replaced by new Pilatus PC-21s. The student pilots will have to fly 80 hours before starting training on the F-16," the report said.
The Ukrainian pilots have experience in piloting civilian aircraft or training on L39 trainers, and are on average 20-22 years old, as "experienced pilots have remained in Ukraine and are flying aircraft in the Air Force."
After this training, which will last about six months, the pilots will be transferred to F-16s. They will be trained in the US or in one of the European countries.
At the same time, teams of technicians, including mechanics, are likely to be trained in the United States.
The crews are expected to be ready no earlier than the end of 2024 or even early 2025. During this time, the weapons used to equip the fighter jets should also be produced.