Britain's press service shares how many Ukrainian pilots have undergone basic training to fly F-16 fighter jets and what is planned next

The first group of Ukrainian pilots was trained by the Royal Air Force in the UK. After completing the basic training program, the pilots traveled to Denmark to fly F-16 fighter jets.

The training in the UK has been taking place since August and included the study of piloting theory and English. This was reported by the press service of the British government.

Six Ukrainian pilots received special English training to improve their ability to participate in training and support the coalition. Another 10 Ukrainian trainee pilots took part in the language training and remained in the UK to continue their practical basic flight training, as well as to learn important skills such as aviation medicine and centrifuge training.

According to Defense Secretary Grant Shapps, the United Kingdom has played an important role in building Ukraine's air defense since Russian dictator Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion. He recalled that the UK has provided hundreds of missiles and ammunition, as well as radars and weapon systems to Ukraine.

"While Ukraine was highly vulnerable to Russian aircraft, drones and missile attacks in the early months of the invasion, with the support of the UK and our allies, its Armed Forces are now able to intercept and destroy the vast majority of munitions, protecting civilians and vital infrastructure," Shapps said.

He also expressed confidence that in the future, Ukraine will have a modern air force based on the highly effective fourth-generation F-16 fighter jet. Shapps emphasized that in combination with training in the world's leading Air Forces, this is a significant step forward compared to Ukraine's current capabilities.

We would like to remind you that the first batch of F-16s to be sent to Ukraine will be modified. The countries that have these fighters in service have been improving them "to the best of their ability."

Earlier, it was reported that Russia decided to boast about the "destruction" of F-16s in Ukraine. Thus, Russian Telegram channels began spreading a fake about the destruction of several fighters at once.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, on the morning of December 22, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a telephone conversation. During the conversation, the head of the Dutch government announced the preparation of the first 18 F-16 fighters for delivery to our country.

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