US to train additional pilots for Ukraine

The United States will expand training for Ukrainian F-16 pilots, increasing the number of trained pilots. The statement was published on the White House website. "To build the capacity of Ukraine's air force, I have directed the Department of Defense to expand training for Ukrainian F-16 pilots, including by supporting the training of an additional 18 pilots next year," President Joe Biden stated.

Thus, the total number of pilots to be trained should increase from 12 to 30. Until now, Ukraine has repeatedly, yet unsuccessfully, asked to expand the training group of Ukrainian military personnel undergoing flight training at the Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona. Politico, citing unnamed Ukrainian politicians, reported that as of June of this year, Ukraine says it has 30 pilots eligible to start training in the U.S. immediately.

An F-16 fighter jet of the Ukrainian Air Force.

August 2024. Photo credits: Office of the President of Ukraine

Training in Romania

This month, Defense Minister Rustem Umierov also announced that the first group of Ukrainian military personnel has started training on F-16 fighter jets at the Lockheed Martin European Pilot Training Center in Romania. Romania will finance the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets at the Fatasti air base.

The Center was opened only in 2023, together with other allies and Lockheed Martin, a manufacturer of American combat aircraft. It meets the training requirements of NATO pilots. Lockheed Martin's European Pilot Training Center in Romania just graduated the first group of eight F-16 fighter pilots and is set to begin training more soon.

The company said it is looking to expand the training course and double the number of pilots in each group to meet the demand of US allies. "We could probably do upwards of 30 to 40 pilots per year with expansions," Frank St. John, Lockheed's chief operating officer, told Defense One.

European F-16 pilot training center.

July 2024, Romania.

Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Romania

As previously reported, the U.S.

Department of Defense ordered equipment to maintain F-16 fighter jets for Ukraine.