Ukraine is dissatisfied with the pace of pilot training for F-16 fighter jets, which are to be supplied by its Western allies, writes Politico.
According to the publication, Kyiv has repeatedly informed Washington that it is ready to immediately send 30 pilots for F-16 training. However, sources from Politico report that the American side is prepared to train only 12 Ukrainian pilots by September 2024.
By the end of the year, a total of 20 Ukrainian pilots are expected to complete training, which is only half of the 40 needed to staff a squadron of 20 fighters, a former US Department of Defense official told the publication.
The White House, in turn, justified the refusal to immediately accept 30 Ukrainian pilots for training by explaining that there are other countries in line for F-16 flight training, and the US cannot break its commitments to them.
There is also a shortage of training slots at other pilot training centers, sources from Politico report. The training centers in Romania and Denmark also do not have sufficient capacity to train the number of pilots required by Kyiv.
By the end of summer 2024, Ukraine is expected to receive more than 60 F-16 fighters from Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway. As Politico notes, the leadership of the Ukrainian army claims that Western fighters will help the Armed Forces of Ukraine more effectively counter the Russian invasion. However, Western experts believe that the F-16 cannot turn the tide on the front lines — their use is subject to significant restrictions.
