WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – An Arizona National Guard spokesperson told Sputnik on Wednesday that its 162nd Wing unit cannot accommodate Ukraine’s request to train more of its pilots on F-16 fighter jets because training availability is scarce and multiple other countries have spots reserved throughout the year.
«We are limited based on instructor student ratio and aircraft availability,» the spokesperson said when asked about Ukraine’s request.
«On top of the Ukrainian students, there are multiple other countries that have reserved training throughout the year.»
Last month, several Ukrainian pilots from a group of 12 completed training on F-16 fighter jets at Morris Air National Guard Base in Arizona, which is a premier F-16 fighter pilot training school. More are expected to complete their training through the summer.
