F-16 fighter squadron. Photo: US Air Force
According to The Wall Street Journal, the United States is changing its strategy for training Ukrainian F-16 pilots, focusing on young cadets instead of experienced military personnel. This decision may significantly delay the formation of a full-fledged Western fighter squadron in Ukraine that will be ready for combat operations.
According to The Wall Street Journal’s sources, a full squadron of 20 F-16s and 40 pilots will appear in Ukraine no earlier than early 2025.
This approach arose from a lack of experienced Ukrainian pilots with sufficient English language skills who could be released from combat missions to train on the new equipment. U.S. officials note that younger cadets may be better prepared for Western-style training programmes.
The training programmes have been the subject of much debate, especially since the tragic crash in August that killed one of Ukraine’s best pilots, Lieutenant Colonel Oleksiy Mes. Mes, a former MiG-29 squadron commander, had recently completed his F-16 training and was one of the few Ukrainian pilots with the skills to fly the aircraft.
He died on 26 August while repelling a Russian combined missile and air strike. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Oleksiy Mes destroyed three cruise missiles and one attack drone, saving Ukrainians from Russian attacks. Unfortunately, this happened at the cost of his life.
According to The Economist, Ukraine has so far received 10 F-16s. Another 20 US-made aircraft are expected to arrive by the end of 2024, and the rest of the fighters will be delivered in 2025, bringing the total to 79 units.
