Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the country’s participation in the coalition for training Ukrainians on F-16 fighter jets.
Source: Trudeau made the announcement during a speech in the Canadian Parliament.
Canada will join the training of Ukrainians on F-16s
“We will deploy instructors to train Ukrainian pilots and support personnel on F-16s to maximize the utilization of the transferred fighters,” announced Trudeau.
Trudeau’s statement is part of the announcement of long-term military support for Ukraine in the amount of $483 million, which includes 50 armored vehicles. Since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion into Ukraine, Canada has provided nearly $7.3 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian aid to Kyiv. The Canadian government has also imposed numerous sanctions against Russia, deployed Canadian armed forces in Europe for training Ukrainian soldiers, and welcomed over 175,000 Ukrainians into Canada.
How will the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16s in the USA take place?
Ignat mentioned that initially, Ukrainian military personnel will undergo English language courses in Texas.
“The United States has already granted permission. We have been waiting for this for a long time. Where else if not in the USA? They have the best pilot training facilities. That’s why we are counting on the United States because they have instructors, facilities, and opportunities to train more pilots,” emphasized Ignat.
According to him, Ukrainian pilots with combat experience are already undergoing training in Denmark. They, along with ground personnel, were sent there ‘closer to Independence Day.’ Ukrainian pilots are also receiving training in the United Kingdom, but those without combat experience will have a longer training period, added the Air Force spokesperson. Ignat noted that the geography of countries where training will take place will expand.