US authorizes Europeans to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 jets

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
16 Jul 2023 22:49

Politico reports that Denmark and Romania are reportedly expected to launch the training program.

F-16 fighter jet -undated- (AFP)

The United States has granted permission to its European partners to commence training Ukrainian pilots on fly F-16 fighter jets, Sputnik reported.

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed the decision on Sunday and emphasized the US commitment to providing the necessary tools for the training program.

"The president has given the green light, and we will allow, permit, support, facilitate, and, in fact, provide the necessary tools for Ukrainians to begin being trained on F-16s as soon as Europeans are prepared," Jake Sullivan told CNN.

The US government has expressed its willingness to accommodate the timeline required by its European partners to launch the pilot training program. Sullivan stated that Washington is committed to meeting the needs of its allies in order to ensure the successful implementation of the training initiative.

Denmark and Romania are reportedly expected to launch the training program, as indicated by Politico. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced in June that the alliance aimed to commence training during the summer months.

Yesterday, Politico reported that several countries which vowed to train Ukrainian pilots on the use of American F-16 fighter jets are waiting for the United States to formally authorize the program.

During last week's NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, a coalition of 11 states led by Denmark and the Netherlands formally committed to training Ukrainians to fly F-16s and other fighter aircraft.

According to European officials, the training program is expected to begin in August in Denmark, and a training facility is set to be established in Romania.