Ukrainian pilots could start their training to fly F-16 fighter jets as early as this summer.

Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren mentioned this in an interview with Reuters.

“This summer is our ambition. And we’ll see if that’s realistic,” she commented on the start of the training program.

Ollongren also noted that the goal would be to have the training program fully operational within six months.

Denmark, which houses flight simulators, is a possible location to host the training.

According to the Minister, the Netherlands has not yet made a final decision on the F-16 provision to Kyiv.

At the same time, Ollongren noted that the fighter jets will bring Ukraine more in line with NATO military capabilities, which “is very important for the future”.

“When the war is over, Ukraine has to be able to defend itself to deter Russia from trying again. And I think…that’s what the Ukrainians also see. It is a very strong weapons system. It’s a very strong capability. But it’s not going to be available anytime soon, and President (Volodymyr) Zelensky, of course, knows that,” she said.

Two sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters the training would start with two groups of 12 Ukrainian pilots, already experienced in flying Soviet-era MiGs.

Previously, the Netherlands stated its intention to start training Ukrainian pilots as soon as possible but did not specify when such training could begin.

The training to become a fighter pilot in the Netherlands takes about 2,5 years. However, the US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that training an experienced Ukrainian pilot in basic F-16 control skills could take as little as four months.