Borrell could not name the timing of the delivery of F-16 fighters to Ukraine

The delivery dates for the first F-16 fighters to Ukraine have not yet been determined. This was stated by the head of the EU diplomatic service, Josep Borrell, at a press conference after a meeting of the EU Council, writes TASS.

Borrell clarified that the F-16 is a complex machine that requires long-term pilot training.

“No, we do not have any specific information when the first F-16s will take off into the Ukrainian skies. I know that pilot training continues, I know from personal experience that this training takes time, and you cannot put a pilot on an airplane without full training,” he clarified.

In August, Pentagon press secretary Patrick Ryder toldthat Ukrainian pilots will begin training to fly the F-16 in October at a military base in Arizona. In September, English courses were held for them.

October 11 US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reportedthat Ukraine will receive the F-16 no earlier than the spring of 2024. At the same time, he noted that the training of Ukrainian pilots began in Europe, and the United States is also engaged in training.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu November 1 statedthat Russian air defense will destroy the F-16s promised by the United States to Ukraine in about 20 days.