On the territory of the United States, the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 multi-purpose fighters has already started.
This was reported in the press service of the US Ministry of Defense.
It is noted that Ukrainians undergo training in the operation and maintenance of aircraft both in the USA and in Europe.
– The US Ministry of Defense is already participating in the training of ready Ukrainian pilots to control the F-16 aircraft, – the message states.
At the same time, the USA is solving the issue of providing Ukraine with spare parts for these fighters.
According to US Deputy Secretary of Defense for Procurement William LaPlante, without spare parts, the F-16 fighter jets that Ukraine will receive may be out of service in a few months.
Therefore, the US wants to provide a 90-day supply of spare parts for these aircraft.
– We will not allow this to happen… And if other countries do not provide spare parts, we will find and provide them, – assured LaPlante.
The Pentagon recalled that the US State Department declared its readiness to approve the transfer of American-made F-16 aircraft from third countries to Ukraine. The Netherlands, Denmark and Norway have announced their intention to provide these fighters.
Earlier, Western media reported that F-16 fighter pilot training in the USA will take place at the Air Force Base of the National Guard in the state of Arizona. At first, the pilots were supposed to learn the basics of F-16 control, in particular on simulators, and then move on to flying real planes.
Training of Ukrainians on American F-16 fighter jets also started in Romania.
Source: US Department of Defense