Kaisa Ollongren, head of the Dutch Ministry of Defense, stated that Ukrainian pilots will undergo F-16 training for six to eight months. Reuters.
The timeline implies that the initial training cohort, beginning in Denmark this month, should be prepared by February 2024. Ollongren noted that Ukrainian pilots are highly motivated and well trained, and the Dutch hold an optimistic outlook about the program.
Earlier reports indicated that Ukrainian pilots had begun training to fly the multi role light fighter F-16. Plans had called for the training to start in October in the United States, a point confirmed by Pentagon spokesperson Patrick Ryder. The Defense Department site carried the broadcast.
Ryder added that the Ukrainian air force would start with English language instruction in September. He also confirmed that F-16 pilot training would take place at Morris Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona.
Previously NATO conditions tied to the transfer of F-16 aircraft to Ukraine were referenced in official discussions.