An Operational Ukraine F-16 Program Inches Closer to Reality
Contact Our Team
For more information about how Halldale can add value to your marketing and promotional campaigns or to discuss event exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities, contact our team to find out more
The Americas -
holly.foster@halldale.com
Rest of World -
jeremy@halldale.com
The Ukrainian F-16 program gained a belated but major boost this July 10. During the NATO Public Forum in Washington, DC, nations have stepped up and solidified their commitment to donate F-16s to Ukraine and keep the weapons platform’s training program on course.
Late yesterday, Norway announced its decision to donate six F-16s to the beleaguered nation. “We plan to start delivering the aircraft in the course of 2024,” said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
At last count, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium and Norway have all agreed to supply around 80 F-16s, with the prospect of some aircraft flying missions this summer.
Training Activities
Denmark, Romania, the UK, the US and other nations, enabled by simulation and training companies, are hosting Ukraine pilot and maintenance training for the fourth-generation jet under the overarching Air Force Capability Coalition.
One AFCC training thrust has Norway participating in the training of Ukrainian personnel and pilots at Skrydstrup air base in Denmark.
Elsewhere, the Netherlands has teamed with Romania and Lockheed Martin, to operate the European F-16 Training Center in Romania where Ukrainian and Romanian pilots are being trained to fly the fighter jets.
The Royal Air Force had a robust, early training effort with aspiring Ukrainian pilots undergoing English-language training, and then elementary flight training in Grob Tutor aircraft with experienced RAF instructors, learning general handling procedures, instrument flying, medium and low-level navigation, and formation flying. After they complete their training with the RAF, the pilots receive advanced flying training in another AFCC nation.
Over in the US, this May, the first group of Ukrainian pilots graduated from their F-16 training course at the Air National Guard’s 162nd Wing in Tucson, Arizona. The 162nd Wing is the Air Force’s training unit for foreign F-16 pilot training.
Toward Operational Status
MS&T will follow and comment on the Ukraine Air Force’s integration of F-16s into its air order of battle.
Featured
