Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov thanked the United Kingdom for providing basic training to the first group of Ukrainian pilots before they learn to fly F-16 fighter jets, UNN reports.
Today I would like to express my deep gratitude to the UK government and Secretary of State for Defense Grant Shapps for providing basic training to Ukrainian combat pilots. Ukraine greatly appreciates the pilot training that the UK and other partners are providing to help us prepare for the operation of the F-16 in Ukraine
The minister emphasized that this is a very significant contribution to the international coalition of Air Force capabilities for Ukraine.
"It is vital for us to equip Ukrainian pilots with the skills they need in the war against Russia," Umerov said.
Addendum
The British Ministry of Defense reportedthat the first group of Ukrainian pilots received basic training from the Royal Air Force before learning to fly F-16 fighter jets in Denmark.