F-16 training: Ukrainian pilots will not be operational before 2024
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Ukrainian officials express concern over the delay of F-16 training as the West continues to kick the can down the road.
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Portuguese Air Force and Romanian Air Force F-16 jetfighters sit on the tarmac of Siauliai airbase in Lithuania during the NATO exercise as part of the NATO Air Policing mission, on July 4, 2023. (AFP)
The first Ukrainian pilots to undergo F-16 fighter training will not be operational before the summer of 2024, reported Kiev Independent, citing the Washington Post, concerning the Ukrainian government and military officials.
As per information from two undisclosed Ukrainian officials, it is projected that only six pilots, approximately 50% of the squadron, will finish the initial phase of training. The Washington Post reports that two additional pilots have been designated as backup candidates.
Despite their proficiency in English, these pilots are required to undertake a four-month English course in the United Kingdom to grasp the aviation-specific terminology necessary for operating the jets.
Consequently, the commencement of live combat training for pilots is anticipated to occur around January 2024. Likewise, a comparable-sized batch of pilots is projected to be prepared by the conclusion of the following year.
Delay highlights split between West and Ukraine
Additionally, there will be 20 pilots with limited proficiency in English, and they are set to commence their language training in England within this month. As outlined by the Washington Post, these delays underscore the division between the Western nations and Kiev.
The Western perspective regards the F-16s primarily as a means to "ensure Ukraine's enduring security."
The US said last month that it allowed European countries to train Ukrainians on F-16 fighter jets – a potential boon to Ukraine’s efforts to counter Russia’s air superiority.
Moreover, on July 16, the US said it granted permission to its European partners to commence training Ukrainian pilots on fly F-16 fighter jets.
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed the decision and emphasized the US commitment to providing the necessary tools for the training program. "The president has given the green light, and we will allow, permit, support, facilitate, and, in fact, provide the necessary tools for Ukrainians to begin being trained on F-16s as soon as Europeans are prepared," Jake Sullivan told CNN.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in July that Russia will consider the presence of F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine sent from the West as a "nuclear" threat due to their capacity to carry atomic weapons, therefore representing a direct threat to Russia. "Russia cannot ignore the ability of these aircraft to carry nuclear weapons. No amount of assurances will help here," Lavrov was quoted as saying by the Russian Foreign Ministry.
