The first Ukrainian pilots could complete training on F-16 fighter jet in the United States by the end of this year, said Michael Law, director of the US Air National Guard, AP reports.
The pilots are currently undergoing English language tests and are expected to arrive at Morris Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, by October. They will be trained for three months, which will allow them to complete their training by the end of the year.
However, after that, the Ukrainian pilots will have to return to Europe to undergo additional training under the NATO program. It is currently impossible to estimate exactly how long this stage of additional training will take.
For pilots who have no previous experience flying fighter jets, the full training cycle will take nine months.
