The United States will commence training Ukrainian pilots to operate F-16 fighter jets, manufactured in the U.S., starting at an Air National Guard base in October, as per the announcement made by the Pentagon on Thursday.
This training program is part of a collaborative effort between the U.S. and Europe to provide Ukraine with advanced fighter jets to bolster its defense capabilities against invading Russian forces.
American military officials emphasize that it takes years of training to establish F-16 squadrons, indicating that the impact of the aircraft on Ukraine’s defense will be limited in the near future.
“This training program is focused on providing long-term support to Ukraine,” stated Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon spokesperson, during a press conference in Washington. “It is not related to the counteroffensive currently being conducted.”
The training will take place at Morris Air National Guard base in Tucson, Arizona. Ukrainian pilots will initially receive English instruction at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, to enhance their language proficiency required for aircraft operations, starting next month, according to Ryder.
Ukraine has persistently requested American fighter jets to aid in the defense of its cities and armed forces against Russian artillery and aviation. Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway have recently announced their intention to supply Ukraine with the said aircraft.
Ryder clarified that the U.S. decided to participate in the training program with its European allies to prevent any delays in preparing Ukrainian pilots for the operation of F-16s.
The U.S. training program will accommodate “several” Ukrainian fighter pilots and dozens of maintenance personnel for the jets, as stated by Ryder.
For experienced pilots, the training can last approximately five months, covering essential aspects such as flying the advanced aircraft, formation flying, weapons operation, air combat, suppressing air defense systems, and ground-based centrifuge training to help pilots endure the g-forces experienced in an F-16 cockpit.
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