Ukrainian Pilots Train on F-16s Multirole Fighter in France.

While the conflict in Ukraine is still raging, the long-promised F-16s have still not been delivered, and the pilots are still undergoing lengthy training, which may be speeded up by this latest news. Ukrainian pilots are currently undergoing initial training on F-16 multirole fighter jets in southwestern France, as reported by BFM TV on April 24, 2024.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The F-16 is a multirole fighter jet designed and produced by the United States. (Picture source: US DoD)

France is not currently providing fighter jets, but according to BFM TV, it is contributing to the training of ten Ukrainian pilots selected by the Ukrainian military headquarters. These young aviators, aged 20 to 22, are receiving comprehensive training. Six of them are currently enrolled in a program in the United Kingdom to improve their English proficiency, essential for NATO operations, and to acquire fundamental aeronautical knowledge.

The remaining four pilots, already proficient in English, have flight experience with civilian or training aircraft. They are now undergoing F-16 aerial combat training at a French airbase. The training, reflecting the intensity of French pilot training, is conducted at double speed and includes sessions on Alpha jet simulators. Before they can begin practical training on the F-16, these pilots must complete 80 hours of flight time.

After approximately six months of training in France, Ukrainian pilots will undergo F-16 flight training, either in the United States or in other European countries equipped with these American aircraft.

The F-16, a versatile fighter aircraft, is a key component of modern air forces. Equipped with a diverse array of armaments including a 20 mm cannon, rockets, missiles, and bombs, it offers versatile and precise striking capabilities against various ground and aerial targets. With a weight of 8,570 kg, it is designed to be maneuverable and agile, allowing it to operate in complex combat environments.

On the avionics front, the F-16 is equipped with an AN/APG-68 radar, providing advanced detection capabilities for sky surveillance and enemy threat detection. Its dimensions include a length of 15.06 meters, a wingspan of 9.96 meters, and a height of 4.88 meters. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-200 afterburning turbofan engine, with a maximum speed of Mach 2, or approximately 2,410 km/h. As a multi-role fighter aircraft, it can be deployed in a variety of missions, ranging from air superiority to close air support, reconnaissance, and interception missions.

This summer, Ukraine is expected to receive a total of 45 F-16s from various allied countries, including Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, and Belgium. This delivery is part of a broader effort to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities in the face of Russian aggression. The crews of these aircraft, each consisting of around a dozen personnel, are expected to be operational by the end of the year or early 2025.

Defense News April 2024