First group of Ukrainian pilots completes F-16 training in the US: Politico shares details

The first group of Ukrainian pilots has completed training on US state-of-the-art F-16 fighter jets at a military base in Arizona, USA. They are now heading to Europe to receive additional training.

This was stated by Erin Hannigan, a spokeswoman for the Arizona Air National Guard, on Thursday, May 23, Politico reported. The Ukrainians were trained at the 162nd Air National Guard Base in Tucson.

"The first group of Ukrainian pilots has completed F-16 training at a military base in Arizona, a crucial step towards sending modern American-made fighters into the skies of Ukraine," she said.

At the same time, Hannigan did not disclose the number of Ukrainian pilots who have completed the F-16 training, nor did she say the exact date of it for security reasons.

According to the publication's sources, the pilots are now heading to Europe for additional training.

At the end of February 2024, Hannigan said that the first group of four Ukrainian pilots would complete the F-16 training program by the summer of 2024. According to her, one group began F-16 training in mid-October 2023, and another in January 2024.

As reported, F-16 maintenance specialists have begun to return to Ukraine from training abroad. The specialists who have returned home will be able to share their knowledge and experience with colleagues.

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