Ukrainian pilots complete UK training, set sights on F‑16 mastery for frontline action
The first group of Ukrainian pilots are prepared for combat within the F-16 aircraft. The United Kingdom and the Royal Air Force provided basic combat training for these pilots as part of an international coalition supporting Kyiv in its ongoing conflict with Russia. These pilots are gearing up for a transition to Denmark to refine their skills further.
9:04 AM EST, December 27, 2023
This means that, if it hasn't already happened, they could appear in the Ukrainian sky and commence combat with Russia at any time. The aggressor has recently lost five Su-34 fighters, and unconfirmed online speculations suggest that F-16 jets are responsible. However, there is currently no official confirmation of their frontline combat action.
An additional group of Ukrainian pilots are training in the UK, counting to a minimum of ten.
Military experts are confident that the Ukrainian Armed Forces, reinforced with F-16 fighters, will more effectively neutralize Russian targets on the front, end the enemy's airspace dominance, and oversee offensive operations more efficiently. Many believe this may lead to a significant breakthrough in the war, resulting in further success for Ukraine.
In August, the RAF began providing advanced piloting training and English language lessons for Ukrainian pilots. Despite the rapid progression of these pilots, they had to wait patiently for the expedited course's conclusion. The group comprises six experienced Ukrainian combat pilots from elite units, ready to confront the enemy.
Another group of ten Ukrainian intern pilots are enrolled in the training and are continuously learning in the UK. They must familiarize themselves with the machinery, get acquainted with the F-16 structure, and conclude basic combat flight training. They will likely be deemed ready for frontline combat missions by Spring, marking a long-awaited milestone in this war.
Besides pilot training, several dozen Ukrainian aviation technicians are also enrolled in English language training focused on engineering and machinery repair.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov expressed his pride and delight. "Ukraine highly values the pilot training the UK and our other partners provided. This is a quick and effective program purposed to equip Ukrainian pilots with the skills necessary in the war with Russia," said the official from Kyiv.
The Ukrainians will now undergo further skill refinement and advanced training on the F-16 Fighting Falcon, supervised by Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States. Following this, the planes will head to combat with the aggressor.
