U.S., Allies to Train More Ukrainian Pilots for F-16s: Pentagon

Pentagon spokesperson reiterates Air Capability Coalition’s ongoing commitment to preparing additional pilots.
  • Defensemirror.com bureau
  • 07:38 AM, January 9, 2025
  • 648
U.S., Allies to Train More Ukrainian Pilots for F-16s: Pentagon
F-16 fighter @Ukraine MoD

The United States and its allies will ramp up efforts to train Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets, strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, the Pentagon announced.

Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh confirmed this during a briefing earlier today, emphasizing the role of the Air Capability Coalition in overseeing these initiatives. She did not disclose specific numbers but reiterated the coalition’s ongoing commitment to preparing additional pilots.

We are a co-lead on the Air Capability Coalition and have trained a handful of Ukrainian pilots…. the coalition is still working to train more additional pilots when ready,” Singh said, noting that the training has occurred in the U.S. and other allied nations.

Ukraine has accelerated its pilot training programs to deploy newly acquired F-16s more quickly. Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Sergey Melnyk stated that the training period has been reduced by three months. This adjustment addresses the urgency of transitioning from Soviet-era aircraft, which presents challenges such as language barriers and mastering the F-16’s systems.

Programs like "Operation Interstorm," supported by the British Embassy, have trained over 200 Ukrainian personnel in flight and English proficiency to facilitate this transition. While initial cohorts faced difficulties meeting English standards for advanced training, the program aims to overcome these obstacles to bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.

Ukraine has received multiple F-16 jets from Denmark and the Netherlands. Danish authorities announced in November 2024 that six F-16s had been delivered, with plans to provide 13 more. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that a second batch of jets from Denmark had arrived but did not specify the exact number.

The F-16s have primarily been deployed in air defense roles, addressing missile threats in the ongoing conflict. However, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova dismissed the potential impact of these jets, stating that they would be neutralized by Russian forces.

The announcement of expanded pilot training comes shortly after Ukrainian pilots have demonstrated proficiency with the F-16. Two days ago, the country’s defense ministry announced that on December 13, 2024, a Ukrainian F-16 pilot intercepted six Russian cruise missiles in a single mission during a large-scale Russian aerial attack involving nearly 200 drones and 94 missiles. The pilot utilized a combination of medium-range and short-range air-to-air missiles, as well as the aircraft’s cannon, to intercept the missiles. Despite low fuel and orders to return to base, the pilot undertook a high-risk maneuver to destroy an additional missile heading toward Kyiv. Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat praised the pilot’s skill, attributing the success to the rigorous training provided by the U.S.

Ukrainian pilots, trained on simulators to use cannons for missile interception, executed their first combat engagement with this technique during the operation.

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