A Mississippi air base now is engaged in training international military pilots, with some 32 students from 17 countries, reports a base release. At Columbus Air Force Base, there are three foreign programs: A 12-month course provides military students from Italy, Japan, Nigeria, Portugal, and Singapore the same type specialized undergraduate pilot training as USAF pilot trainees undergo; a 10-month aviation leadership course prepares students for follow-on aircraft in their home country; and a five-month Polish Pilot Program trains Poland’s pilots to fly the F-16, using the T-38C trainer.
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.