Dutch PM Rutte suggests training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighters.

In a telephone conversation between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on August 8, there emerged discussions about reinforcing Ukrainian air defenses to protect the country against brutal and indiscriminate Russian attacks. According to insights from Elsa Court at The Kyiv Independent's news desk, Rutte conveyed the Netherlands' commitment to augmenting Ukrainian air defenses and exploring avenues of support. One tangible effort already underway is the collaboration to provide Ukrainian pilots with the skills to operate Western-supplied F-16 fighter jets.

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Even if the fighter jet type is 40 or 50 years old, inducting F-16s means dealing with a system that is still complex (Picture source: Belgian Air Force)

An earlier dialogue between President Zelensky and Prime Minister Rutte on July 8 revealed that the schedule for commencing the training of Ukrainian pilots had been confirmed, although the specific commencement date was not disclosed. Denmark is also preparing to train pilots on its territory. Let us keep in mind that, even if the fighter jet type is 40 or 50 years old, inducting F-16s means dealing with a system that is still complex. All these factors mean that a four-month integration period does not seem absurd. There are often two pilots or even two complete teams per aircraft. There is a pilot on board, between 10 and 20 mechanics at least, plus nozzles and ground technicians who take care of the rest.

Politico, in a report on August 5, cited unnamed sources within the United States who disclosed that eight Ukrainian pilots proficient in English are poised to initiate training on the fighter jets. The actual commencement of this training hinges on the formulation of comprehensive training plans by European allies, which would then need approval from the United States. Adding to this, 20 Ukrainian pilots, who possess rudimentary English language skills, are on standby to undertake language instruction in the UK within the coming month. In total, a pool of 32 Ukrainian pilots — enough for two squadrons — has been identified as potential participants in this training initiative. However, a notable challenge remains in the form of English language competency.

Léo Péria-Peigné, a researcher at the Institute for International Relations Centre for Security Studies (IFRI), adds there are three main ways of using the F-16s: "For ground support," he says. "To attack the Russians who are attacking; or to support a Ukrainian attack in order to intercept fighter aircraft that might come into Ukrainian airspace. Furthermore, even possibly use certain munitions to intercept missiles and drones that threaten sensitive points."