“The program will provide for 150 hours of flight training”, – WRITE: www.radiosvoboda.org
According to the Czech Defense Ministry press service, the program will provide for 150 hours of flight training worth about 32 million Czech crowns. It is expected that up to eight Ukrainian pilots will be prepared this year.
“The pilots will study on F-16 aircraft, which the Czech army does not have in service, but the Ukrainian side has also expressed interest in training on simulators and permutative aircraft L-39,”-the message reads.
According to the Director of the State Enterprise Lom Praha Gerzh Protiv, the preparation of Ukrainian pilots at the LOM Flight Training Center is not only a professional challenge, but also a manifestation of active participation in the support of Ukraine and solidarity.
“We have opportunities, knowledge and experience, and in cooperation with the army of the Czech Republic, we are ready to offer them where they really need,” he added.
It is noted that all the expenses of the Czech Party for providing training will be covered by the Czech Ministry of Defense.
From the beginning of a full-scale invasion of Russia, the power of Ukraine has asked the West to provide modern F-16 fighters. In 2023, several countries, with the consent of the United States, decided to transfer such planes to Kiev. The arrival of the first F-16 fighters was known in early August 2024-they were shown during the celebrations for the Armed Forces Day.