Ukrainian Air Force details pilots training on F-16s
Photo: Illia Yevlash, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force (Getty Images)
The process of training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighters is continuous. After completion of one stage, the places of trained pilots are taken by others, according to Illia Yevlash, spokesperson for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The air coalition includes:
- United States of America
- United Kingdom
- Denmark
- Romania
- France
The above countries help train not only pilots but also engineers who will maintain the fighter jets in the future.
"This process is continuous, we are constantly using all the slots provided by our partner countries. And after one stage, as we saw in Arizona, the pilots move to another site in Europe, and other people are recruited to take their place," adds Yevlash.
During the training, the pilots learn basic skills to ensure quick maintenance of the fighter jets. In particular, the pilots are practicing various tactical tasks in groups and flight techniques.
According to Yevlash, the F-16 training program is designed for two years, but this is relative. As an example, the Ukrainian Air Force completed the Patriot training program in 3-4 weeks, even though it is designed for 3-4 months.
The Air Force spokesperson adds that the aforementioned fighter is a rather complex aircraft, and therefore only after the first pilots graduate will it be possible to know the approximate time required for training.
F-16 for Ukraine
Last year, Ukraine's allies created an aviation coalition within which they plan to provide the Ukrainian Armed Forces with F-16 fighters. The transfer is expected to be gradual. As President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted earlier, more than 100 aircraft are needed to achieve air parity.
Recently, the first group of our fighters completed training in Arizona. They will now travel to Europe to continue their training.
