Reznikov: F-16 pilot training “already begun”

That’s according to Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov, who spoke with Channel 24, Ukrinform reports.

"Training has already started," Reznikov said.

The Minister of Defense of Ukraine noted that 11 partner countries have joined the aircraft coalition. The Netherlands and Denmark took the lead in the project of training Ukrainian pilots, technicians, and engineers.

According to Reznikov, the instructors will announce the completion of the exercises when they see how Ukrainian pilots, engineers, and technicians master new skills and interact with each other.

He noted that it is also important with what kind of weapons the fighter jets will be equipped. Therefore, when partners decide on the transfer of this equipment and its numbers, they will seek the consent of the United States.

"Each country will receive such a permit and say: 'I am ready to transfer a certain number of planes'. Accordingly, with spare parts, and maintenance capabilities. 'I am ready to transfer a certain number of missiles or aerial bombs, or else.' Then the second part of the project will be clear," Reznikov noted.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine said that test flights on Gripen aircraft with the participation of Ukrainian pilots have already kicked off. Also, Ukraine and Sweden discussed the steps for the possible acquisition of these aircraft by Ukraine. The president will discuss this with the political forces in the Swedish Parliament.

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