The UK has reached a significant milestone: 200 Ukrainian pilots successfully completed training with the British Royal Air Force (RAF). 

This achievement, which reflects the deepening cooperation between the two nations, was celebrated at a ceremony marking the latest group of pilots graduating from the RAF’s Elementary Flying Training program. 

Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard and Ukraine’s Ambassador General Valerii Zaluzhnyi attended the event on October 22.

Pollard highlighted the critical role these pilots will play in Ukraine’s ongoing defense efforts, stating, “These pilots will soon be flying Ukrainian F-16s. Britain will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.” 

Luke Pollard disclosed on his X (formerly Twitter) account, “Did you know the UK has now trained 200 Ukrainian pilots? Today, I attended the graduation of the latest pilots from the RAF’s training program.”

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This training effort is part of the UK’s contribution to the Air Capability Coalition, an international initiative co-led by the United States, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The coalition aims to build a modern air force for Ukraine by providing access to advanced fighter jets, such as the F-16, to counter Russian aggression. 

Although the UK does not operate F-16s, it has strongly advocated for the international program to supply Ukraine with training and aircraft, reinforcing the nation’s ability to defend its sovereignty. 

The Ukrainian pilots trained by the RAF were equipped with essential skills, including aircraft handling, low-level navigation, formation flying, and instrument-based flying. 

Additionally, they received English language training, a critical component to ensure seamless coordination with NATO air forces, where English is the standard operational language. 

The UK’s involvement in Ukraine’s military readiness extends beyond aviation. Since Russia’s capture of Crimea in 2014, over 60,000 Ukrainian personnel have undergone various forms of training provided by the UK, including 36,000 recruits since 2022 under Operation Interflex. 

One Ukrainian pilot, reflecting on his experience, said, “The course has been challenging and enjoyable, and it has made me a better pilot. I am grateful to the UK for its support to Ukraine, and I am personally grateful to the Royal Air Force instructors for preparing me for the future.” 

Ukraine’s F-16 Pilot Training Program

The Ukrainian pilots who have successfully completed their training are now preparing to advance to a higher level of flying instruction, which will be provided by the French Air Force. This next phase will prepare them for operating F-16 fighter jets, significantly bolstering Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.

This marks the third group of pilots from the Armed Forces of Ukraine to finish their training in the UK, although a timeline for their transition to operational readiness remains unspecified. 

Ukraine has been assured of receiving at least 80 used F-16 aircraft from Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium. 

While the US is not providing these aircraft directly, it has granted the necessary permissions for the transfer of American-made jets and is assisting in equipping the fighters with essential air-to-surface munitions and air-to-air missiles, including the well-regarded AIM-120 AMRAAM.

In August 2024, Ukraine received its first batch of F-16 fighters from allied nations. However, the initial arrival of these aircraft is not expected to change the dynamics at the front lines dramatically. Meanwhile, Kyiv is looking forward to additional deliveries of the jets to enhance its military capabilities.

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In an incident in late August, a Ukrainian F-16 crashed during a major Russian missile and drone assault, resulting in the death of pilot Oleksiy “Moonfish” Mes, one of the first Ukrainians trained on the F-16. 

This incident has raised alarms regarding the pace of pilot training and the potential for future accidents. Additionally, many trainees have faced difficulties with the English-language manuals crucial for mastering the F-16, which has been particularly challenging for those who began their training in Denmark.

This language barrier has hindered the progress of some pilots, and several have been unable to complete the training program. 

Recently, it was reported that the United States has shifted its focus from training experienced Ukrainian pilots to younger cadets. This decision was made because cadets were believed to be more adaptable than experienced Ukrainian pilots, who had shown resistance to Western training methods. 

In addition to the US, Denmark and Romania are also involved in training Ukrainian F-16 pilots. Meanwhile, nations like the UK and France, which do not operate F-16s, have been actively training Ukrainian pilots on other jets. Canada has also announced its commitment to training new pilots, enabling them to progress to advanced training as part of its ongoing support for Ukraine.

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