The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), reported on October 17, that the United States is shifting its focus in its F-16 training program to Ukrainian pilots so as to prioritize younger trainees. This could delay the Ukrainian squadron’s readiness to combat.
U.S. and allies have been training Ukrainian F-16 pilots at a rapid pace because Kyiv urgently needs air defense to counter the intensifying Russian bombardments. The shortened training was criticized after a F-16 pilot died in a crash in August during a Russian air attack.
The initial training program was aimed at experienced Ukrainian pilots. However, the lack of English language skills and the difficulty in adapting to Western style training has led to a shift towards younger pilots.
A senior Pentagon official told WSJ that the Ukrainian trainees were a mixture.
“Some of the pilots we have received are experienced, but we continue to receive more experienced pilots.” There are also those who do not have the same kind of pilot experience and training.
Those who have experience flying Soviet-era jet fighters can skip the basic flight training course and take the accelerated one, while the newer cadets will need to spend a year in training before moving to F-16 training bases located in the U.S.A. and Romania.
The F-16 training program could be extended by several months if younger pilots are used, further delaying the Ukrainian squadron’s readiness for battle as Russian attacks continue on the nation’s energy grid and its civilian neighborhoods.
According to someone with knowledge of the F-16 Program, even before the switch, Ukraine was unlikely to have a full squadron until spring or summer 2025 at the latest.
Only 11 F-16s are flying in Ukraine today, despite a squadron consisting of 40 pilots. Ukraine received its first fourth-generation U.S. jets late in July, a year after Denmark and the Netherlands launched a coalition of fighter jets for Kyiv.
The pace of training was questioned after an F-16, recently delivered, operated by Ukraine’s best pilot, Oleksii Me, crashed on August 26 while defending from a Russian missile and drone attack. Mes, also known as “Moonfish,” died in the crash.
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