President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the timing of getting F-16 fighter jets depends, among other things, on the training progress of Ukrainian pilots. He said during a meeting with students of three Mykolaiv universities.

“Of course, we need modern fighters to control the sky. There is a general agreement. Not “if”, but there is. There is no date when we will receive them – it is a fact. I think there is no date because today it is our question when our guys will be trained,” Zelenskyy said.

The President pointed out that the duration of the training depends on many things. In particular because all pilots will spend time differently.

“In addition to professionalism, we need experience and language. A fluent language. A person needs to speak English absolutely fluently in order to study. There are many different issues here. Someone has a year-long course, someone can take 6-9 months, and for someone it is a long stage,” the head of state emphasized.

Zelenskyy added that a long course could be, for example, for young pilots, specialists after graduation who do not have long-term combat experience.

“At least I have taken these steps on my part. Now the issue depends on the training moments and educational processes. I think we will be able to get the first fighter jets in 2024. I think it will happen,” the President summarized.

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