UK launches training for Ukrainian pilots

15 May, 2023 MiG-29MU1 of Ukraine with R-27ER and R-73 missiles. August 2022. Ukraine.

Frame from the video of the military of Ukraine This summer, Ukrainian pilots will undergo a basic flying course in the UK, so that the current training programs can adapt to Ukrainian needs. Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister of the UK, made the corresponding announcement during a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky in London.

"This summer we will commence an elementary flying phase for cohorts of Ukrainian pilots to learn basic training. This will adapt the programme used by UK pilots to provide Ukrainians with piloting skills they can apply a different kind of aircraft," said Rishi Sunak. He also emphasized that, at the same time, negotiations regarding the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine would continue.

Rishi Sunak and Volodymyr Zelensky, May 15, 2023. Photo credits: Telegram of Volodymyr Zelensky

"This training goes hand in hand with UK efforts to work with other countries on providing F16 jets - Ukraine's fighter jets of choice," the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom added. At the beginning of February this year, during Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to London, it was announced that Ukrainian pilots would undergo training in the UK.

It was pointed out that the training would ensure that pilots were able to fly sophisticated NATO-standard fighter jets in the future. The UK uses the Beechcraft Texan T1 for basic high-speed jet pilot training and the BAE Hawk T2 for advanced training. After that, they undergo training on the corresponding fighters.

In the UK it is Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35. In addition, the UK to provide Ukraine with long-range kamikaze drones.

The declared flight range of these drones exceeds 200 km.

Ukraine will also receive hundreds of air defense missiles.

All of this is expected to be delivered in the coming months as Ukraine prepares to strengthen its resistance to a full-scale Russian invasion.