US Air Force: Experienced Ukrainian pilots could be flying F-16s in three months

The Director of the U.S. Air National Guard says that three months will be enough time for Ukrainian pilots with experience in daily combat missions to train on F-16 fighter jets.

He said this at the annual Air Force Association convention in National Harbor, Maryland.

"For those who are flying daily combat missions, I think three months is absolutely feasible," said Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, director of the U.S. Air National Guard.

He added that it would take nine months to train the inexperienced.

The Ukrainian pilots are expected to arrive at Morris Air Force Base in Tucson by October. They are currently being tested for their English language skills.

At the same time, Lo noted that after that, the military will also have to undergo additional training in aircraft maintenance.

The lieutenant general did not specify how long the additional exercises with NATO partners in Europe would take.

It will be recalled that Romania and the Netherlands have agreed to set up a training centre for F-16 pilots and the maintenance of these aircraft.