The first group of Ukrainian pilots has successfully completed basic training at the Royal Air Force of Great Britain and has begun training to fly F-16 fighter jets in Denmark, the British government press service reports.
Basic training, including English language instruction, began in August. Six experienced Ukrainian pilots successfully completed their training, while ten more trainee pilots remained in Britain for further training and mastery of aviation medicine and centrifuge training.
Grant Shapps, the UK Defense Secretary, expressed pride in the support provided by the Royal Air Force to Ukrainian combat pilots and crews, emphasizing their role in protecting Ukraine's skies.
The British training program aims to provide pilots with the skills needed to continue operating on Western fighter jets and increase their compliance with NATO standards.
The pilots, who have completed their basic flight training, have been trained in Grob Tutor aircraft, learning general flight procedures, instrument flying, navigation at different levels and formation flying. After completing their training in the UK, they will continue their training in other European countries to improve their flying skills.
Also, dozens of Ukrainian aviation technicians are receiving English language training focused on engineering specialties.
