F-16 training for Ukrainian pilots to kick off this summer - Dutch defense chief

Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren said this in an interview with Reuters, according to Ukrinform.

Ukrainian pilots can start training to fly U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets as early as this summer, the minister said.

It is noted that the Netherlands previously stated they intend to start training Ukrainian pilots "as soon as possible", but stopped short of announcing the date for the training start.

“This summer is our ambition. And we will see if it is realistic,” Ollongren said, commenting on the long-awaited start of the training program.

She also said the goal would be to have the curriculum fully rolled out within six months. Denmark, which has the necessary flight simulators, is seen as a likely location to host the training.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Thursday that Denmark and the Netherlands, in cooperation with the USA, would in a few weeks start developing a base for comprehensive training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16s and other fourth-generation warplanes.

Photo: Jeffrey Groeneweg/AFP/Getty Images