By The United States has made an important commitment to support Ukraine in bolstering its air defenses, nearly a year and a half after Russia’s invasion. Starting next month, Ukrainian pilots will undergo training on F-16 fighter jets in the United States.
The training will commence in September, with the first step being English language instruction for the Ukrainian pilots. After that, they will begin their training on how to operate these advanced fighter aircraft. This training effort will take place in Texas and Arizona and will involve several pilots along with dozens of personnel responsible for maintaining the aircraft.
US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed this training program in a recent call, as confirmed by the White House. President Biden reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to support Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression and to hold Russia accountable for its actions.
This announcement builds upon existing plans by European allies like Denmark and the Netherlands to donate F-16 fighters to Ukraine and train its pilots. Norway has also pledged to provide planes to Ukraine, and Greece is joining the group of countries offering training.
The Ukrainian pilots, along with maintenance personnel, could arrive in the United States as early as next month. Once they complete their English language training, they will commence their training to operate the F-16s. It’s uncertain how long this training will take, especially since these pilots have experience flying Soviet-era MIG and Sukhoi fighters and will be transitioning to more modern Western jets.
For American F-16 pilots, the training period varies from eight months for new pilots to five months for those with more experience.
This development comes in response to concerns expressed by Ukrainian officials about the slow progress of the training, which they view as crucial to their country’s wartime needs. Ukrainian forces have encountered challenges in their counteroffensive, facing heavily mined and defended territory held by Russia. President Zelenskyy’s government has been appealing for F-16s, recognizing the need for greater air power to counter Russian assaults.
Training efforts in Europe, led by Denmark and the Netherlands, are also gaining traction. This week, eight Ukrainian pilots began their F-16 training in Denmark, with plans for Denmark to provide 19 F-16s to Ukraine. Additionally, Ukrainian forces are undergoing intensive training in various parts of Europe to enhance their capabilities in offensive formations, combined arms maneuvers, and overcoming complex obstacles, as explained by a four-star US Army general.
