Summary
- Historic arrival of F-16s bolsters Ukraine’s air defenses with cutting-edge technology and training.
- Training alongside NATO allies proves transformative for Ukrainian pilots transitioning to F-16s.
- F-16 deployment signifies a significant shift in Ukraine’s defense strategy, securing air corridors and demonstrating NATO support.
The long-awaited first shipment of
F-16
fighter aircraft for Ukraine has finally arrived.
The news, first reported by Bloomberg, comes one year after the Vilnius NATO summit, led by Denmark and the Netherlands, which committed to a “fighter jet coalition” on
Ukraine
‘s behalf, an agreement President Volodymyr Zelensky extolled as “historic.”
While the undisclosed number of aircraft in this initial batch is believed to be relatively small, Ukraine is slated to acquire at least 79 F-16s from Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium over the coming years.
Photo: Belgium Air Force
It’s easy to understand why Ukraine is ecstatic over the delivery of the F-16 Fighting Falcons. According to the US Air Force:
“The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft. It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. In an air combat role, the F-16’s maneuverability and combat radius (distance it can fly to enter air combat, stay, fight and return) exceed that of all potential threat fighter aircraft.
“It can locate targets in all weather conditions and detect low flying aircraft in radar ground clutter. In an air-to-surface role, the F-16 can fly more than 500 miles (860 kilometers), deliver its weapons with superior accuracy, defend itself against enemy aircraft, and return to its starting point.” –USAF
Related
US Announces Dutch & Danish Governments Will Send F-16s To Ukraine This Summer
More than 70 aircraft commitments are currently outstanding in F-16 donations to Ukraine.
Fighter jets and training too
In addition to providing Ukraine with the much-needed air power, the fighter jet coalition, comprised of Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, the UK, Greece, and the United States, is also committed to providing the necessary training for Ukrainian F-16 pilots, technicians, and support personnel.
In addition to Ukrainian F-16 pilots already training in the US and abroad, a supplemental training hub has been established in Romania. The Netherlands, Romania, and Lockheed Martin are all contributing to its creation and maintenance.
![5868060 - B-52 works with Polish F-16s [Image 14 of 20]](https://static1.simpleflyingimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/5868060.jpg?q=49&fit=crop&w=1500&dpr=2)
Photo: Airman 1st Class Duncan Bevan | 1st Combat Camera Squadron | US Air Force
The coalition aims to provide an in-depth training program for Ukrainian personnel, from basic and elementary flight training to more specific F-16 training.
From a Nokia to an iPhone
While undoubtedly challenging, one of six Ukrainian F-16 pilots training in Denmark, call sign “Moonfish,” is more than up to the task. When asked by Business Insider to describe transitioning from a Russian MiG to the F-16, Moonfish quipped, “…like a Nokia, straight to an iPhone, without all those steps in between.
“It’s a really awesome jet to fly.” – “Moonfish,” Ukrainian F-16 pilot in training
Meanwhile, 12 Ukrainian pilots have been training on F-16s in the US with the Air National Guard’s 162nd Wing in Tucson, Arizona. The first group of Ukrainian F-16 pilots graduated in May 2024 and will continue training overseas.
“A small number of pilots have finished their U.S.-based training and moved forward to the next portion of training outside the United States. Additional Ukrainian pilots continue to train in Arizona. While I cannot confirm specific details regarding the training schedules and locations of individual pilots, I can assure you that we continue to work closely with our Ukrainian partners to enhance their operational readiness and interoperability within NATO standards.” – Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Charlie Dietz, Air & Space Forces
Related
Top 5 Combat Achievements Of The F-16 Fighting Falcon
The famous fighter has been in deployment for more than four decades.
While the arrival of F-16s to Ukraine’s arsenal isn’t expected to cause a dramatic shift in the war, they provide Ukraine with air defenses they desperately need.
“F-16s with the right armaments will be able to push away Russian warplanes. The northwestern part of the Black Sea, particularly the corridor for civilian ships, will be almost 100% secure.” – Commander of the Ukrainian Navy, Vice Admiral Oleksii Neizhpapa, Kyiv Independent
Photo: USAF
The arrival of F-16s in Ukraine marks a significant shift in the nation’s defense strategy and offers renewed hope for the people of Ukraine. As the skies over Ukraine become guarded by these formidable aircraft, the country remains fortified and determined. Furthermore, the arrival of F-16s symbolizes the ongoing and unwavering support of NATO and Ukrainian allies.