Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence
Monday 8th January 2024

(9 months, 3 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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James Heappey Portrait James Heappey
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In the interests of brevity, I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answers given to the former Secretary of State and shadow Secretary of State earlier.

James Wild Portrait James Wild (North West Norfolk) (Con)
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I welcome the successful conclusion of the RAF’s training of the first cohort of Ukrainian pilots. As they move to learn to fly F-16s, can my right hon. Friend commit that in the next financial year we will continue working with our allies to give Ukraine the pilots and planes they need to defend themselves?

James Heappey Portrait James Heappey
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Absolutely. Any pilot training pipeline has a foundational level of flying training that we are able to deliver. Similarly, given that English is the international language of aviation, we are able to do language training as well. Very obviously, the more aircraft-specific training has to be delivered by F-16 nations, but we are proudly part of that F-16 coalition.