F‑16 fighters ready for Ukrainian skies after pilot training
24 May 2024 07:52
At the 162nd Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona, Ukrainian pilots completed courses on operating the Fighting Falcon, an American multi-role aircraft. The conclusion of the training was announced by the US Air National Guard's spokeswoman, Erin Hannigan.
Information on how many Ukrainian pilots have received certification to operate the F-16 is classified for operational security reasons. However, everything indicates that the aircraft will soon appear on the battlefield in Ukraine.
Training sessions at the 162nd division began with the arrival of four Ukrainian pilots in the US at the end of October last year. Additional groups started training in January this year. The National Guard announced its plans to train several aviation specialists from Ukraine by the end of 2024.
According to information from the Ukrainian headquarters, the Russians are currently using about 300 aircraft for military operations in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force needs at least 90 to 100 F-16s to counter the enemy in the airspace.
The pilot and technical support training programs are coordinated by the coalition air forces of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, led by Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States. These countries have also pledged to supply US-made aircraft. This required the approval of the Biden administration.
F-16 on the battlefield in Ukraine. Training completed
The transfer of F-16 fighters to replace the ageing and deteriorating fleet of Ukrainian MiG-29, Su-24, and Su-25 aircraft has been planned for many months. Now, this operation is nearing completion. On 21st May at 3:00 AM GMT, the US House of Representatives requested approval from Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to use weapons supplied by the US to attack strategic targets on Russian territory under certain circumstances.
In the coming months, Ukraine is counting on deliveries of over 60 F-16 aircraft from Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Belgium. If everything goes well, the aircraft could enter combat at the beginning of summer.
