American experts will estimate how much time pilots need to master Western aircraft. The Air Force Command claims that Ukraine is already working on adapting airfields that can theoretically receive allied aircraft.
Two pilots of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) were sent to the United States for American specialists to check their level of knowledge and skills for possible future training. This was stated on March 5 by the speaker of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Yuri Ignat, in a commentary to the Voice of America radio station.
On March 5, the American media wrote about the arrival of pilots from Ukraine at a military base in Tucson (Arizona). The pilots will be trained to work on the F-16 attack aircraft.
Aviation experts will estimate how long it will take to train them if, in the future, Western partners decide to send one or another type of aircraft to Ukraine. Consultations are being conducted through diplomats and the military, he explained.
“If a decision is made on the type of aircraft, then we will know the number of pilots and where to send them for training. The American side is studying the capabilities of our pilots, how long it will take them to retrain on modern fighters,” Ignat added.
States help train soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to plan the course of the war
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Another important factor is the training of aviation engineers for the maintenance of equipment. For 1 aircraft, 10 or more specialists are needed who will operate and check all systems, the speaker of the Ukrainian Air Force noted.
The preparation of infrastructure for Western aircraft in Ukraine is being carried out in parallel. According to Ignat, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry is already working on the adaptation of airports, alternate and operational airfields.
The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has decided on the needs for fighters, as the old fleet of Soviet aircraft is working on the verge of possibilities.
Ukrainian pilots will not immediately be put at the controls of real fighters
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Photo: US Army
“These are old planes – attack aircraft, bombers, fighters. The youngest of them is 91, the same age as Ukrainian independence.
“We need wings in order to protect the country. We need Western-style aircraft compatible with NATO states,” the military concluded.
Earlier, the US Congress said that Ukrainian pilots would not be allowed to sit at the controls of real aircraft. First, the pilots will work with a simulator that simulates flights.
Focus has already analyzed in detail why it will be difficult for the pilots of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to switch to F-16 fighters. First of all, we need trained people who can competently service the equipment.
The states are also training soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in planning the course of hostilities in Germany. The training program was launched in anticipation of news about a possible large offensive by Russia and a counteroffensive by the Armed Forces of Ukraine this year.
