Bringing Ukrainian pilots into an era of sophisticated flight, the United States plans to host a unique training program for F-16 operations, reveal inside sources. The timeline for the commencement of this anticipated training remains undetermined, according to the said US personnel.
Not all the targeted number of pilots will participate immediately as they first need to master their English language skills. Operating these advanced American-made aircraft requires a firm understanding of English as every detail, from instrumentation to manuals, is in this global language.
Ukrainian authorities have put forth around 32 pilots who stand ready to take on the F-16 training. However, many of these pilots' English knowledge needs to be enhanced, thus holding them back from immediately starting on the hands-on part of their new career training.
The selected pilots, along with a group who would receive aircraft maintenance training, could potentially arrive stateside as soon as next month, according to a US official. Completion of the language instruction would signify the commencement of their F-16 training.
Migration from a career of operating outdated Soviet-era MIG and Sukhoi fighters towards the modern western jets will be a complex process with an undefined timeline. These future F-16 pilots' training span will depend on the assessment of trainers regarding their progress and capabilities.
This move aligns with the statement by Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder who recently noted that the US is ready to expand its support for training if capacity fills in Europe.
Although the particular location for the training is still to be confirmed, an emerging choice could be the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tuscon, Arizona. The base already has some practice hosting Ukrainian pilots with a program that assessed how quickly they could learn F-16 operations. Davis-Monthan base also houses the 162nd Wing, a unit of the Arizona Air National Guard famous for training international partners on the F-16.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin underlined US support on Ukrainian Independence Day, saying, “The United States is proud to stand with Ukraine, and we will continue to ensure that it has what it needs to fight for its freedom.”
Meanwhile, Denmark and the Netherlands – the two countries spearheading the coalition to train Ukrainians on F-16 operations – have pledged their support and committed to sending their aircraft to Ukraine.
Confirming this advancement, Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky cited the Netherlands' promise to provide 42 F-16s, albeit without a clear commitment on their delivery to Kyiv. Concurrently, Denmark has promised to contribute 19 F-16 fighter jets over the next few years.
Ukrainian Defense Minister, Oleksii Reznikov, announced that selected Ukrainians have already commenced technical training on operating the jets. The minimum six-month training term could be prolonged based on instructors' assessments. Ukraine’s Air Force spokesman emphasized the importance of the F-16, celebrating their potential to rewrite the narrative and achieve “air superiority in the occupied territories.”
