Ukrainian pilots trained on F-16 in the UK

The Royal Air Force (RAF) has completed training another group of Ukrainian pilots. This brings the total number of graduates of the Elementary Flying Training programme to almost 200.

Here's What We Know

The training in the UK is the first of three phases, where the pilots flew about 80 hours on a GROB-115 general aviation aircraft with a maximum speed of about 220 kilometres per hour.

They were instructed in aircraft handling, low-level navigation, and various types of flight operations. In addition, they completed English language training to improve their interaction with NATO air forces.

After the training, the graduates will undergo in-depth flight training with the French Air Force on an Alpha Jet aircraft. This is a light attack aircraft and advanced jet trainer that has a modified dashboard similar to an F-16 fighter jet and a top speed of over 900 kilometres per hour.

Ukraine will be able to train for about 80 hours, including 60 hours on the aircraft.

The final stage of their training will take place at the European F-16 Training Centre at Fetesti Air Base in Romania, where they will fly original F-16 aircraft with a top speed of over 2,100 kilometres per hour.

Source: Royal Air Force