Ukrainian fighter pilots are undergoing initial training in France, with plans to transition to F-16 jet training, supported by a collaborative European effort to strengthen Ukraine's aerial capabilities against Russian aggression.
Ukrainian pilots are training in allied countries to fly F-16s, with two groups already honing their skills on the aircraft; training for technical personnel is also underway to prepare them to train others in Ukraine, as per Ukraine's Air Force.
In October 2023, the US agreed to head up a coalition of countries, including the Netherlands and Denmark, to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets, which could potentially be the main combat aircraft for Ukraine.
France will train Ukrainian pilots starting 2024 and continue military training programs for Ukrainian troops under EU assistance mission, while supplying weapons and equipment.
Ukraine's Air Force says Ukrainian pilot training for F-16 fighter jets has not yet begun in Romania, where a training center is being prepared. Currently, the training is taking place in the US and elsewhere in Europe.
Despite a canceled speech before the Romanian Parliament due to "possible disruptions by MPs with pro-Russian sympathies," Romania has agreed to train Ukrainian pilots to fly the F-16.
A small number of Ukrainian Air Force pilots have begun English language lessons at a Texas air base to prepare for their upcoming training on F-16 fighter jets.