The Turkish Air Force has initiated a training program on F-16 multi-role fighters for pilots from the United Arab Emirates, the first such service offered by Turkey to another country, reported the Iranian official news agency (IRNA), citing a military report.
UAE Air Force and Air Defense pilots have been receiving training at Turkish Airspace Industries' Akinci base in Ankara since mid- November in a program that is expected to last until early February, according to Jane's Defence Weekly.
The UAE, which has 80 F16 Block 60 Desert Falcons on order from the US scheduled for delivery 2004-08, was said to have paid Turkey an estimated $30-40 million for the training.
Jane's also reported that Turkey had initialed a similar training agreement for the Royal Jordanian Air Force, which currently has 16 F16 A/Bs.!
The Royal Air Force of Oman, which is interested in acquiring up to 12 F16s, was said to have also approached Turkey with regard to a training program, according to the report. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
