Previously, the Netherlands had said it aimed to start training Ukrainian pilots "as soon as possible", but had stopped short of specifying when such training could get underway. "This summer is our ambition, and we'll see if that's realistic" for the start of the training program, Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren told Reuters in an interview on Thursday (June 8). She said the aim would be to have the training program fully operational within six months. The U.S.-backed training program will include Belgium and Luxembourg, while France and Britain have offered assistance, she said. Two sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters the training would begin with two groups of 12 Ukrainian pilots, already experienced flying Soviet-era MiGs.

Source: Sky sports June 15, 2023 16:05 UTC