Ukrainian Pilots Train on F-16s in Arizona

In a significant development, the U.S. Air Force confirmed this week that Ukrainian military pilots have commenced F-16 Fighting Falcon training at Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona.

This move marks a crucial phase in America’s ongoing support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, aligning with broader NATO efforts¹.

A Specialized Training Hub

Morris Air National Guard Base, home to the 162nd Wing of the Arizona National Guard, is a pivotal F-16 pilot training hub that also accommodates international trainees. Air Force spokesperson Rose Riley emphasized that the curriculum would be tailored to each pilot’s foundational skills and knowledge. The training is projected to span several months.

A Calculated Investment

This initiative is part of a larger U.S. commitment to Ukraine, which has exceeded $113 billion in various forms of aid since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. However, the focus of this training is not immediate combat readiness but rather a long-term strategy to modernize Ukraine’s military forces and enhance regional security. Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, Air National Guard boss, indicated that the first batch of Ukrainian pilots could complete their training by the end of the year. Still, operationalizing the jets would take additional time.

Experienced Pilots, Lengthy Preparation

Interestingly, the initial group of Ukrainian pilots is anticipated to have a higher level of flight experience compared to potential future trainees. This advanced skill set means that the U.S. will need to invest additional time to align them with F-16 operational standards. Estimates suggest that training each batch of pilots could take up to nine months on average.

Controversial Aid Amidst Rising Tensions

The U.S. decision to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s came after months of hesitation, due to various concerns including the financial cost and the risk of escalating tensions with Russia².

The F-16s’ survivability against advanced Russian air defenses was another factor that had previously deterred the Biden administration from taking this step.

A Staggering Human Cost

The gravity of the Ukrainian conflict cannot be overstated. According to a New York Times report from August³, the war had already claimed nearly half a million troops in its first 18 months, as cited by U.S. officials. This is in addition to thousands of civilian casualties and millions of displaced individuals.

1. https://www.defensenews.com/news/your-air-force/2023/10/26/ukrainian-pilots-begin-f-16-training-in-arizona/ ↩︎
2. https://nos.nl/artikel/2487324-rutte-bevestigt-levering-f-16-s-aan-oekraine-zelensky-verwacht-er-42 ↩︎
3. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/18/us/politics/ukraine-russia-war-casualties.html ↩︎