Ukrainian pilots arrive in Canada for F-16 flight training

According to Canada's Defense Minister Bill Blair, a group of Ukrainian Armed Forces pilots arrived for training this week.

He noted that Canada had taken the lead in the FLIT element as part of the United States Joint Forces coalition supporting the Ukrainian Air Force's capabilities. Over the next five years, this coalition will invest $389 million in training F-16 pilots for Ukrainian personnel.

"This package of support includes the launch of advanced pilot training. As part of our support to the AFCC, Canada will also be providing critical equipment and other support to Ukrainian air bases and fleets," the statement says.

F-16 for Ukraine

The delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine was an important step in international support against Russian aggression. The F-16s, developed in the United States, are modern multifunctional aircraft capable of performing various tasks, from air combat to ground strikes.

After numerous negotiations, allied countries, including the Netherlands, Denmark, and other NATO partners, agreed to provide F-16s to Ukraine. Ukrainian pilots are currently undergoing training in partner countries to ensure the effective use of these aircraft. The F-16s are expected to significantly enhance Ukraine's defensive capabilities and improve air defense against enemy attacks.

At the end of July this year, Ukraine received its first batch of F-16 fighters. These aircraft have already completed several missions. However, it was recently reported that Ukraine lost its first F-16 in an air crash, which resulted in the death of pilot Oleksii Mes, known as Moonfish.

Following the incident, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed the Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, Mykola Oleshchuk. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated that Oleshchuk's dismissal was unrelated to the F-16 crash.

Read more about the first loss of an F-16 and what is known about pilot Oleksii Mes in the material by RBC-Ukraine.