US General Hecker launches F-16 training program for Ukrainian pilots.

As part of an initiative aimed at strengthening Ukraine's aerial defense capabilities, General James Hecker, representing the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa, unveiled an innovative training plan for Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 multirole fighter jets.

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A U.S. Air Force F-16 assigned to the 121st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron flies over U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility during a mission in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, July 17, 2021 (Picture source: U.S. Air Force/Senior Airman Taylor Crul)

This plan revolves around several key stages. Firstly, Ukrainian pilots, who have so far been primarily trained on propeller aircraft, are transitioning to master the F-16 multirole fighter jet. This shift is vital to modernize and enhance Ukraine's aerial fleet.

Another pivotal aspect of this program is linguistic training. Even though most of these pilots are already proficient in English, additional training will be offered in the United Kingdom. Language proficiency is indeed a fundamental element to ensure effective collaboration during international aerial operations.

Before fully diving into the F-16s, the pilots will undergo intermediate training in France, where they will train on the Alpha Jet of the French Air and Space Army. These aircraft, recently retired from active French service, will play a crucial role in easing the pilots' transition to the F-16s.

The final phase of this training will see the pilots undergo several months of intensive training on the F-16s, in anticipation of their operational deployment in Ukraine by 2024.

It's worth noting that this plan isn't limited to a bilateral collaboration between the U.S. and Ukraine. It's an expanded initiative backed by NATO and a coalition of 11 European countries. Moreover, the program might extend to other fighter jets, such as the JAS 39 Gripen from Sweden.