As the conflict in Ukraine persists, a significant development has emerged from the Air Force Command of the Ukrainian military. Ukrainian pilots are concluding their training on F-16 Fighting Falcon jets, a move that is poised to considerably bolster the nation’s air defense capabilities against ongoing aggression.
Major Illia Yevlash, head of the Air Force Command’s Public Relations Service, confirmed in recent statements that an unspecified number of Ukrainian airmen are in the final stages of preparation to operate the U.S.-made aircraft. “Preparations are ongoing. This process is constantly continuing at various levels and we already have pilots who are directly completing their training on the F-16, and as soon as it becomes possible, the F-16 will arrive in Ukraine,” Yevlash conveyed, highlighting the readiness of these pilots to undertake combat operations within Ukrainian airspace as soon as they have the jets at their disposal.
The transition to Western aircraft is an upgrade from the Soviet-era MiG and Sukhoi jets that Ukraine has predominantly relied on since the onset of the war in February 2022. Analysts see the acquisition of F-16s as a significant leap in strengthening Ukraine’s aerial combat proficiency.
In a display of international support, several of Kyiv’s allies have committed to supplying F-16s, and pilots have been undergoing training in multiple countries, including France, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Romania, and the United States. The British Defense Ministry had previously reported the completion of training for 10 Ukrainian pilots, who proceeded to advanced training in France. “They have received some of the best training available and are now a step closer to joining the fight against Putin’s illegal invasion,” said Defense Minister Grant Shapps.
The timing of the F-16 jets’ arrival in Ukraine remains uncertain. However, statements from various government officials suggest deliveries could occur soon. Last month, Belgian officials indicated their nation was accelerating the delivery of the jets, with expectations set for arrival before year’s end. Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anušauskas was quoted in February by Foreign Policy, predicting, “we will see them [F-16s] in Ukraine in June.”
Ukrinform reported Yevlash’s acknowledgement of Kyiv’s allies who have advised that discussions and timelines regarding the jets involve a degree of secrecy. Yevlash expressed gratitude for the aviation support: “Our partners are tight-lipped, as such questions require silence. We are waiting for them as soon as possible, like all Ukrainians, and we are waiting for the F-16s to be in the Ukrainian sky.”
Relevant articles:
– Ukrainian Pilots Are Completing F-16 Training: Kyiv Military Official , Newsweek, 05/10/2024
– Air Force: Part of the Ukrainian pilots are completing training on the F-16, Odessa Journal, 05/09/2024
– There are pilots who are completing training on F-16 – Yevlash, Українські Національні Новини, 05/09/2024