France starts training Ukrainian F-16 pilots. It is planned to certify 26 Ukrainian pilots in the next two years.
This was informed by Le monde.
It is reported that the training started at an air base in southwestern France, but its location is not disclosed for security reasons.
It is noted that the training began in mid-June. The pilots first train on simulators, and then will fly with instructors.
Previously, Belgian and French pilots were trained at the base. According to the trainers, the training is the same for all nationalities, with priority given to NATO standards. After their stay in France, Ukrainian fighters will be able to easily switch to F-16s or Mirage 2000-5s.
It is reported that Ukrainian pilots in Ukraine have already flown about a hundred hours in training aircraft. Then they underwent initial training in the UK according to NATO standards, including an English language course. Next up is training on the Alpha Jet at a threefold accelerated pace.
Earlier, we wrote that the US 'deliberately delaying' training for Ukrainian F-16 pilots.