Ukraine’s F-16 pilots near completion, sharpening skills to target Shahed UAVs and missiles
Ukrainian pilots training on F-16 fighter jets in Denmark and the United States are currently practicing the tasks they will face, including strikes on Shahed drones and missiles, Air Force spokesman Illya Yevlash said at a briefing on April 11.
"The training of pilots trained in Denmark and the United States is in its final stages. They are practicing strikes on small targets," said Yevlash.
English language courses for pilots continue in the United Kingdom, while another group has moved to France to master the control system on light aircraft.
Read also: First ten Ukrainian pilots complete initial F-16 training in UK and move on to France
Speaking about the timing of the transfer of fighter jets to Ukraine, Yevlash noted that the partners are discussing these issues behind closed doors. The terms are not disclosed.
F-16 fighters for Ukraine
The Netherlands and Denmark promised in August 2023 to jointly provide Ukraine with 61 American F-16 fighter jets. This was preceded by a transfer authorization from the United States.
Norway has also confirmed its intention to supply F-16s. Belgium will also provide Ukraine with F-16s, but in 2025.
The Netherlands announced its decision to begin preparations for the transfer of the first 18 aircraft to Ukraine in December, and later increased this number to 24. In total, the country has promised Kyiv 42 fighters.
The tentative timeline for the delivery of the fighter jets to Ukraine was the first half of 2024.
Foreign Policy reported on Feb. 18, 2024, citing European officials, that the first F-16s would arrive in Ukraine around June 2024. Commenting on this, the then spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force, Yuriy Ihnat, noted that it was impossible to talk about specific dates for the transfer of F-16s to Ukraine by foreign partners.
Read also: F-16 no ‘silver bullet’ for Ukraine against Russia — Stoltenberg
The UK government announced on March 22 that the first 10 Ukrainian pilots had completed basic flight, ground, and language training on F-16 fighters in Britain. The military will now move on to advanced flight training provided by the French Air Force.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on March 27 that Western F-16 fighter jets should appear in Ukraine's skies in mid-summer.
Media reported on April 2 that Greece may send 32 F-16C/D Block 30 fighters to Ukraine. They have undergone two modernizations and have reached 60% of their service life. Greece may also transfer 24 Mirage 2000-5 Mk2 aircraft to Ukraine or sell them to India with the permission of France.
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