Ukraine Takes to the Skies: US to Provide F-16 Training for Ukrainian Pilots in Landmark Move

The United States has announced plans to provide F-16 flight training for Ukrainian pilots starting in October. The training will be conducted at the Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona, and will include English language training prior to the flight instruction. Although the exact number of Ukrainian pilots and maintenance personnel participating in the training is not yet known, it is expected to involve several pilots and dozens of maintainers.

The decision to provide training in the US was made preemptively, recognizing that training capacity in Europe would eventually be reached. Denmark and the Netherlands have also committed to sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, with Denmark pledging to send 19 jets and the Netherlands potentially providing 42. Norway and Portugal have also announced their intention to donate F-16s to Ukraine and assist in training pilots and engineers.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that the F-16s will help Ukraine achieve air superiority in the occupied territories. The training program is part of the United States' ongoing support for Ukraine in its fight for security and freedom.