Ukrainian Flight Crews Start F-16 Training in Arizona

The US has started F-16 pilot training for Ukraine, as announced by the U.S. Air Force on October 25.

A "small group" of Ukrainian pilots commenced their training with the 162nd Wing of the Arizona ANG uard earlier this week, focusing on "F-16 fundamentals," according to a spokesperson from the service.

The training program will be customized to each pilot's foundational knowledge and skills and is expected to span several months, according to  an Air & Space Forces Magazine U.S. Air Force spokesperson.

The 162nd Wing conducts pilot training at the Morris ANG Base, located at the Tucson International Airport. It serves as the sole unit within the U.S. Air Force responsible for training foreign pilots on F-16s as part of its daily mission. The wing has trained more than two dozen countries in the operation of the F-16.

While a standard F-16 training course typically lasts about six months, U.S. officials have indicated that Ukrainian pilots are unlikely to follow the standard model, as the training will be tailored to meet Ukraine's specific requirements for safeguarding its airspace. European nations are also involved in training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 operations.

Foreign F-16 pilots are also required to undergo English language training, which Ukrainians began last month at Lackland AB in Texas.

It is not expected for Ukrainian pilots to engage in combat flying with F-16s until 2024. European nations have committed to providing Ukraine with used F-16s. The United States has undertaken to train a number of pilots and maintainers

General James B. Hecker, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, disclosed in an interview in September that the U.S. would be training approximately 10 pilots. While the Pentagon has mentioned that the U.S. will also be training "dozens" of maintainers, it has not revealed whether this training has already begun.

The United States has not committed to providing American-owned F-16s. The transfer of F-16s, requires approval by the U.S. government for delivery to Ukraine. The Biden administration had indicated its intention to grant such approval during the summer.

Related:

12 to 18 Dutch F-16s fly to Romania for Ukrainian pilot training

Starting in 2025, Belgium plans to supply Ukraine with F-16 fighter aircraft.

Sweden will consider sending Gripen jets to Ukraine only after NATO membership