Reznikov discloses details of agreement on Ukrainian F-16 pilot training

NATO allies at a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission pledged to provide specialized training for Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets, which will pave the way for the future delivery of these aircraft to Ukraine.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said this at a meeting with journalists following the meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission in Brussels on Thursday, June 15, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"I am very pleased because today I heard what we expected. Alongside the provision of various new arms and technology assistance packages from our Ramstein partner nations, there was a clear intention to create an F-16 training coalition or 'fighter jet coalition.' It all starts with training. But I think that a 'bird coalition' [has been formed]," the minister said.

He said that the Netherlands and Denmark had already officially confirmed their leadership in these programs, as well as their commitment to organize and provide training for Ukrainian pilots, engineers and technicians to master the F-16. The United States officially supports that. Other countries have also expressed their willingness to join in one way or another, including by providing funding or specialized equipment.

"Now a respective program will be written. I have not yet seen the representatives of our Air Force Command, but this training program should be prepared and approved by July, and accordingly, it will be clear when a training center for Ukrainians will be created in one country. I will not say in which one, they will announce it themselves. But it will definitely be done before the Vilnius summit," Reznikov added.

He noted that this training center would have everything, from simulators to appropriate equipment. English language courses for Ukrainian pilots and engineers will be held simultaneously.

"After that, individual countries will be ready to announce their readiness to provide aircraft, which we will gradually receive from partner countries that will join this coalition. But you should not wait that the provision of such aircraft will be announced before the summit. Before the summit in Vilnius, it will be known where and when such a training program will begin. Countries should evaluate if they are capable of providing such equipment, as it once happened with tanks," Reznikov said.