Ukrainian Air Force pilots begin F-16 flights in Denmark’s skies

Ukraine Air Force spox says some Ukrainian pilots are already flying with instructors on F-16 jets in Denmark, a precursor to solo flights and combat readiness.

byYuri Zoria

21/11/2023

2 minute read

A Danish Air Force F-16BM combat trainer aircraft during a training flight. Photo via mil.in.ua

Ukrainian Air Force pilots begin F-16 flights in Denmark’s skies

Some Ukrainian pilots are already undergoing flight training on F-16 fighter jets in Denmark. This was announced by Yurii Ihnat, the spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force Command, on the national telethon, according to Militarnyi.

He says these flights are conducted with instructors and are carried out on two-seater aircraft. Before getting into the cockpit of the F-16, Ukrainian pilots flew light aircraft to help pilots make the transition to the new type of fighter jet easier.

“Now it is already flying with instructors. Every day, the number of Ukrainian pilots who are trained and perform the tasks set by the instructor may increase,” Ihnat said.

The next stage of training for the Ukrainians will be the transition to independent flights.

“And then, accordingly, flights for combat use in order to learn to fight on this aircraft,” Ihnat explained.

The Air Force spokesperson stated that Ukrainian pilots, along with ground crews, combat management officers, and aviation engineering service personnel, are receiving training not only in Denmark but also in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Denmark and the Netherlands lead a coalition of countries that train Ukrainian pilots and support staff. The countries pledged to donate Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets.

In August, eight Ukrainian pilots began training on F-16 combat aircraft in Denmark. The training is taking place at Skridstrup Air Base. In addition, 65 specialists will be trained in the maintenance and repair of this type of aircraft.

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