Ukraine likely won’t receive a full squadron of F-16 fighter jets until late 2024, with actual delivery expected only in the spring or summer of 2025. About this informs The Wall Street Journal, referring to a change in plans for the training of Ukrainian pilots.
The changes made by the United States focus on the fact that instead of experienced pilots, they now train junior cadets. This decision will significantly affect the timing of Ukraine’s acquisition of a full F-16 squadron, as young pilots need more time to train.
American officials explained that the move was due to a lack of experienced Ukrainian pilots who speak English well, which is a necessary condition for effective training on the F-16. Accordingly, the preparation time increased, which delayed the delivery plans.
In addition, Washington accelerated the training program to six to nine months, focusing it primarily on air defense. However, even this accelerated schedule does not allow the process to be completed by the end of 2024.
It also turned out that some Ukrainian pilots, who had experience with MiG fighters, found disagreements with American training methods. These differences in approach often lead to tensions between NATO instructors, who work to established standards, and UAF pilots, who operate in direct combat conditions.
In addition, according to one of the Western officials, some Ukrainian pilots who have already started training in Denmark have not been able to successfully complete the program, which also affects the overall dynamics of training.
