Ukrainian F-16 pilots will be ready for combat sorties in July

Twelve Ukrainian pilots are expected to be ready to fly F-16s in combat by this summer, the New York Times reported.

However, as few as six fighter jets are expected to be delivered in time. 

In total, European allies have pledged to supply 45 of the jets to Ukraine, with Denmark set to deliver the first six planes in late Spring.

Training for Ukrainian pilots began last August at Skrydstrup Air Base in southern Denmark, but deficiencies in language skills and knowledge of Western flying techniques have reportedly slowed things down.

Ukrainian pilots are currently waiting for fighter jets and pilot instructors at a new training centre at the Fătesti airbase in southern Romania, the NY Times said, but it is unclear when they will begin their lessons. 

In August, Washington assured European allies that the United States will expedite the transfer of F-16s to Ukraine when the pilots are trained.

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