War may enter new phase as US outlines plans to train Ukrainians to operate F-16 jets
The training plan means that within the next 12 months the Russian air force is likely to be facing off against fourth-generation F-16 fighter aircraft, perhaps even as early as a 2024 spring or summer offensive, a situation which would remove one of Russia’s greatest advantages.
A key aspect of Russia’s ability to withstand the current Ukrainian offensive is its dominance of the skies and facing off against F-16s with advanced weapons, particularly long-range and stand-off, and incentivised pilots in the cockpit will substantially diminish that.
The announcement that the US DoD would soon begin training Ukrainian pilots was made by Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig Gen Pat Ryder on 24 August and follows commitments to supply fighters from NATO countries such as Denmark and the Netherlands.
Related Articles
Norway to explore options for training Ukrainian F-16 pilots
US greenlights NATO F-16s for Ukraine but jets excluded from current counter offensive
Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with (updated 2024)
‘The training provided by the US will complement the F-16 pilot and maintenance training that's already under way in Europe and further deepens our support for the F-16 training coalition led by Denmark and the Netherlands,’ Ryder said.
‘Moving forward we will remain in close consultation with the Danes, the Dutch and other allies to ensure US training complements the broader coalition training efforts.’
The training is expected to begin in October at Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona, and will be facilitated by the Air National Guard's 162nd Wing.
The pilots will also be trained in the English language to deal with the complexities and specifics of the aircraft but training on the actual aircraft will vary from between five months and eight months, depending on the trainee’s ability.
The training will include a series of courses ranging from basic flight training to instruction on fighter fundamentals, weapons employment, combat manoeuvring and tactical intercepts among other concepts.
More from Training
-
AI innovation set to revolutionise military training landscape
Artificial intelligence offers unprecedented potential to revolutionise military training, enabling agile and decisive forces.
-
Training Together: Unlocking Educational Excellence through Military and Industry Collaboration (Studio)
Military training is ultimately about people. At Capita, training programmes are built on close engagement with partners, delivering an educational approach that can adapt to individual needs, cultivate leadership – and drive wider cultural change.
-
Three A-29 Super Tucanos find new home at US Air Force Test Pilot School
Embraer’s light attack aircraft were selected by Edwards Air Force Base to join its test pilot school, following their abandonment by US Air Force Special Operations Command.
-
Enhancing Military Training Through Digital Technology (Studio)
Digital technologies offer huge opportunities for defence training. However, militaries must adopt an agile approach, placing the needs of their organisations and personnel at the centre of their efforts.
-
Why the US must enhance training for mariners operating in contested environments
A US DoD report questioned the adequacy of contested environment training for civilian mariners supporting surge sealift missions and called for improved inter-agency coordination to better prepare them for potential conflict zones.
-
Australia’s exercise tempo increases as it looks east for national defence
The Australian Government has focused heavily on the defence of its north-west coast, with plans to move its attack helicopters to the area, as well as base its maritime patrol assets in the region.