‘Dozens’ of Ukrainian pilots to start training to fly F-16s, air force reveals
“The lists (of pilots who will go for F-16 training) have long been prepared,” Ihnat told Radio NV. “They will undergo training in successive waves. We cannot send everyone to learn at once because these pilots (currently) perform dozens of combat missions in the sky (in the conflict zone) every day.”
However, the initial wave may include several dozen pilots, followed by subsequent waves for training purposes, Ihnat said.
“We have a sufficient number of pilots capable of mastering this aircraft,” Ihnat adds.
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“Priority will be given to those who possess English language proficiency and exhibit potential for future service, as they are relatively young pilots. This is because pilots training on the new F-16 aircraft may potentially transition to newer aircraft types we will possess.
”Ihnat said the F-16 could serve as a transitional aircraft for Ukraine, before the country’s air force transitions to operating the F-35.“All pilots training abroad possess combat experience in engagements against the aggressor,” Ihnat said.
“They have actively participated in combat operations, which means they are not starting from scratch in terms of flight and combat skills. Their training will focus on adapting to the new aircraft and modern equipment. It's akin to switching from a Lada to a BMW with automatic transmission.”
On May 22, Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the EU, announced that Ukrainian pilots had already commenced F-16 training.
However, on May 23, Troels Lund Poulsen, the Acting Minister of Defense of Denmark, stated that Ukrainian pilots might begin F-16 training only in July.
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He also indicated that it could take up to six months before the necessary conditions for utilizing F-16 fighter jets in Ukrainian are established.
On the same day, Ihnat affirmed that the process of preparing pilots for training was still ongoing.
Eight European countries have already joined the “fighter coalition” supporting Ukraine, with the Netherlands and Denmark leading the collaborative effort.
The United States has announced that in the upcoming months, Ukraine’s military allies will collaborate to determine the timing, participants, and number of aircraft to be transferred to Ukraine. However, the delivery of fighter jets will be contingent upon Ukraine's commitment to refrain from employing them in strikes on Russian territory.
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