Ukrainian pilots could fly F-16s in three months

(Patria) - The United States could have the first Ukrainian pilots trained on F-16 fighter jets before the end of the year, although it will take longer than that before they fly combat missions, said the director of the U.S. National Guard, AP reports.

Ukrainian pilots are expected to arrive at Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona by October. They are currently being assessed for English language proficiency, and depending on their language skills and prior experience with fighter jets, they could complete U.S. training within three months, said Lieutenant General Michael Loh, director of the U.S. National Guard.

"As soon as they get the green light, they will come and immediately begin training," Loh said.

To meet the rapid training timeline, Tucson will likely adjust some of its other international pilot training commitments to prioritize Ukraine.

"This is a national priority," Loh said.

However, after completing U.S. training, the Ukrainians would have to return to Europe for additional NATO training. NATO allies are also training Ukrainians on aircraft maintenance, and that must also be completed before the jets can fly combat missions. Loh did not have an estimate of how long the additional training would take.

General David Allvin, the nominee for the next Chief of Staff of the Air Force, told senators at a confirmation hearing on Tuesday that, on average, F-16 training would take six to nine months.

Ukrainian leaders have been requesting Western fighter jets since the early days of the war. Ukraine is seeking up to 50 F-16 fighter jets, equivalent to three combat squadrons. In August, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv would receive 42 aircraft.