The training of future Ukrainian pilots in southern France has become another type of French military assistance to Ukraine, said French War Minister Sébastien Lecornu, TF1 Info reports on April 13.
France continued to provide assistance to kyiv, opposing Moscow. This time, this help was expressed in the training of future Ukrainian fighter pilots to fly on American F-16 aircraft. Training takes place at one of the country’s air force bases. This was announced by the French Minister of the Armed Forces on April 12.
“Pilots receive general training at Alpha Jet, allowing Ukrainian pilots to master the basics of piloting fighter aircraft”– said the Minister of War.
According to a military source, about ten Ukrainians, including those who received preliminary training in the United Kingdom, are currently undergoing advanced training to learn how to pilot the fighter. The training should last several months.
Later, they will join specialized training programs to fly the F-16. Training should take place in those countries allied to Ukraine where such aircraft are available. As noted by the same source, this is due to future deliveries of F-16s to kyiv.
Lecornu recalled on April 12 that the French army managed to adapt AASM air-to-ground bombs to Ukrainian-owned Soviet aircraft. In his opinion, this will allow France to supply Ukraine with this type of aerial bombs.
Let us remember that France has already trained 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers on its national territory and in Poland.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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