The ceremony of the end of the training was attended by the Ukrainian ambassador in London, former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valery Zaluzhny.

- I am sincerely grateful to all the personnel who trained our pilots. I hope they are well-prepared and that the instructors are not disappointed. In any case, these boys will go into battle very soon, and we will pray for their safe return from combat missions.- said the general.

Zaluzhny emphasized that Ukraine's victory depends not only on the daily struggle of Ukrainian soldiers, officers and volunteers but also on preparation for future challenges for the country.

- We will pray, and you will fly, fight and win. I hope that you have learned all necessary skills well - he concluded.

The basic training conducted in Great Britain allows Ukrainian pilots to then switch to the training version of the F-16 fighter. The course involved intensive study of the English language and the imperial system of measurement - the American jet's systems provide data in feet, miles and pounds.

The Royal Air Force trained the Ukrainians on Grob Tutor T2 turboprop training aircraft. The trainees were taught new Western skills, including instrument flying, low-altitude navigation, and formation flying.

The first F-16s were delivered to Ukraine this summer. They are mainly involved in repelling Russian missile and drone attacks, and they are reportedly very successful in doing so. It is also likely that Ukrainian F-16s have already shot down their first enemy aircraft, but they have also suffered their first loss.

pj/ belsat.eu according to mil.in.ua

Translated by PEV