Ukrainian pilots and engineers continue training on F-16 fighters, pilots practice tactical techniques.
How Ukrainian pilots are trained on the F-16
The Air Force spokesman, Col. Yuriy Ignat, said that Ukrainian pilots are already practising tactical techniques within the framework of exercises on F-16 multi-purpose fighters, that is, the task of striking targets.
Ignat noted that the transition to the F-16 cannot be quick, no matter how much one would like.
And so about half a year is the shortest possible time for which both the flight crew and the ground staff can be retrained. Generally, training for the F-16 is minimal — two years. Ukraine is doing everything to ensure the plane appears in our skies and performs its tasks as soon as possible.
Col. Yuriy Ignat
Air Force Command Speaker
The colonel also emphasised that the process of pilot training continues.
Pilots are already practicing tactical techniques. They actually practice the task of striking air and ground targets. This is very necessary. Because it is not only necessary to fly, but also to control the airspace. You have to fight for them. And it is these things that our pilots are working on now, — said Yuriy Ignat.
The Air Force spokesman added that aviation engineers also continue training in aircraft maintenance and weaponry, programming, and the task of striking with high-precision weapons.
All this preparation is necessary in order for the F-16 to work as efficiently as possible in our skies, destroying air, ground and sea targets. "Ukraine is adapting the infrastructure at certain sites so that these planes can be used from our airports," the colonel concluded.
F-16 aircraft for Ukraine
The Netherlands and Denmark led an aviation coalition to train Ukrainian pilots on American F-16 jets. These countries have unique flight simulators.
In Aug. 2023, Denmark began training the first group of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighters. It was then about eight pilots. Last year in November, Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ignat said that in Denmark, Ukrainian pilots are already training in the air with instructors on F-16 jets.
On Feb. 18, Foreign Policy reported that Ukraine could receive the first F-16 fighters in the summer of 2024. It is probably about June.
At the same time, while commenting on media publications, Ignat recently noted that it is not yet known when Kyiv will receive F-16 aircraft. But "the process is underway". Ukraine is switching to fighter jets as an emergency.
Dutch PM Mark Rutte said that transferring F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine is on schedule. Ukraine is to receive more than 20 combat aircraft.
