The first F-16 fighter landed in Ukraine. "We have conducted intensive training"

The first US-made F-16 fighter aircraft landed in Ukraine on Saturday. This was announced by the commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, General Mykola Oleszchuk.

The first F-16 in Ukraine. The training of Ukrainian pilots has begun

- The F-16 plane was in Ukraine – General Oleszczuk said on TV. It landed at our airports, we conducted intensive training with F-16 pilots and we have experience in operating this aircraft – added the commander of the air force, adding that the day before two pilots were “tested” by American instructors. He also said that Ukrainian airports are preparing to accept F-16 aircraft when they are received by the Ukrainian air force. The general said that Ukraine is currently engaged in adjusting the runways.

- We are making the appropriate reconstruction, improving the range, improving the infrastructure of airports, building new defenses - said the commander.

Oleszczuk added that the total training period is 32 months, but “it was decided that for this class of pilots they would be able to master the F-16 aircraft in four months.” Reznikov, in turn, said he would not disclose how long the training will take, but noted that “the minimum training period is six months”.

It is not known to which country the plane that arrived in Ukraine belonged. Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov announced that training of pilots on the F-16 has begun. They are run by the Netherlands and Denmark. A few days ago, the United States gave its official consent to the transfer of planes by these countries to Ukraine.

USA: We approve sending F-16 fighters to Ukraine as soon as pilot training is completed

On Thursday, August 17, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the US has approved sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands to defend against Russian invaders as soon as pilot training is completed. Blinken sent letters to the heads of Danish and Dutch diplomacy assuring them that the proposals would be approved.

"I am writing to express the full support of the United States for both the transfer of F-16 fighter aircraft to Ukraine and the training of Ukrainian pilots by qualified F-16 instructors," the American politician wrote in a letter, a copy of which was obtained by Reuters.

Blinken added that “it is extremely important that Ukraine is able to defend itself against Russian aggression and violation of its sovereignty”. 

He noted that the approval of the applications will allow Ukraine “to take full advantage of its new opportunities as soon as the first group of pilots completes the training.” F-16 fighters are manufactured by the American defense company Lockheed Martin. Ukraine is to receive the equipment as soon as the pilots are trained to use it. 

Why does Ukraine need F-16 fighters so much?

According to the spokesman of the Ukrainian Air Force Command Yuri Ihnat, the F-16 fighters are necessary for Ukraine to protect against Russian missile attacks on cities and critical infrastructure.

The fighters should strengthen the Ukrainian air defense.

Yuri Ihnat stressed that the Air Force should focus on one type of multi-role combat aircraft. According to him, the F-16 is the most popular aircraft of its class in the world among those that meet the needs of Ukraine.

Ihnat explained that the MiG and Su fighters currently in service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces are unable to effectively shoot down cruise missiles and Iranian kamikaze drones.

According to him, they still manage to do it from time to time, but this is more the exception than the rule. But the F-16 has a powerful radar and modern missiles. Thanks to this, it will be possible to effectively shoot down air targets.