Ukrainian pilots train on American F‑16s in hopeful anticipation of enhancing national defense
"Ukrainian F-16s will significantly contribute to the defense of our cities and communities, as well as to enhancing the capabilities of Ukraine's Armed Forces. Our gratitude goes to the F-16 coalition for their contribution to expediting this process, while our pilots and personnel continue their intensive training," Zelensky wrote on Telegram.
F-16s for Ukraine
Despite adverse weather conditions, limited time, and the pressing need to return to combat, Ukrainian pilots and technicians are undergoing rigorous training on F-16 operations at the Danish Skrydstrup base. "Our combat experience is essential, but the F-16 training program is still in its initial stages. However, our primary drive is not our experience, but our determination to return and keep fighting," a Ukrainian pilot, who referred to himself as "Moonfish", revealed in the video shared by the President.
The pilot marveled at the technical capabilities of the F-16, stating, "I mean no disrespect to our MiGs, but the F-16 is undeniably more agile. It seems that the plane itself encourages bold and assertive flying". The introduction of such advanced systems as the F-16 presents a significant challenge to Ukraine, particularly for the Ukrainian technicians entrusted with the aircraft's proper operation.
"At first glance, getting to grips with this system seemed unfeasible and impossible to implement in Ukraine. But I've come to realize that the F-16s will streamline our work and save us time. We must push forward. If we aspire to progress as a nation and an air force, we need to learn from other countries that have already been through this stage," remarked Ukrainian technician Ihor in the video posted by the President of Ukraine.
The inclusion of F-16s in Ukraine's arsenal is critical for the country's survival amidst war, particularly now with Russia pressing on all fronts. Ukrainian pilots will be in a position to repel enemy aircraft from the country's borders and limit the use of guided bombs, which Russia deploys daily against civilians and soldiers. Ukraine extends its gratitude to all members of the coalition for their solidarity in defending its airspace, as highlighted in the video.
On Thursday, Danish Defence Minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, confirmed that the inaugural F-16 multirole aircraft will be donated to Ukraine this summer. This is six months later than Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's announcement in August 2023, who anticipated delivery in early 2024. The delay arises mainly from delays in deliveries of F-35s from the USA, which are set to replace the Danish F-16s.
"Although Ukraine and Denmark are both European countries, our cultures have significant differences. I believe this encounter (the F-16s transfer) will allow us to exchange insights and lay a robust foundation for a friendly relationship. We're enduring this challenging period unitedly," Royal Danish Air Force's General Jan Dam, stated in the recording.
In July 2023, Ukraine, along with several partner countries, formed the F-16 coalition guided by the United States, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, Greece, Luxembourg, Canada, Poland, France, Romania, Belgium, Portugal, and Sweden. Earlier in February, Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren declared on platform X that her country would supply Ukraine with a total of 24 F-16 fighter jets.
Ministers from 11 NATO countries came together at the North Atlantic Alliance summit in Vilnius in July 2023 to commit to training Ukrainian pilots and mechanics in F-16 operation and maintenance. In August of last year, the USA assured Denmark and the Netherlands that they would fast-track approval for all the required paperwork from third parties to transfer F-16s to Ukraine, readying Kyiv to take ownership of the aircraft once pilot training was completed.
The F-16s are combat aircraft designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin. Their length measures approximately 15 meters, and their wingspan is around 9.4 meters. Able to travel at a speed close to Mach 2, or nearly 2,460 km/h, their main benefit is their capacity to carry a diverse array of weaponry. Lockheed Martin emphasizes on its website that they have over 36 years of experience in integrating weapons with F-16s, permitting this multirole fighter to bear the region's 180 types of various weapons.
The F-16's primary armament is the M61A 20 mm cannon. Furthermore, it can carry guided air-to-ground missiles (AGM-65G2 Maverick), bombs (Mk82 or Mk84), or radar-guided medium-range air-to-air missiles (AIM-120C-5).
