Ukraine probably won't be able to assemble a full squadron of F-16 fighters by the end of this year. According to The Wall Street Journal , the country is expected to receive the full number of planes only next year, by spring or summer.
The delays are related to the fact that the United States is reorienting the training of Ukrainian F-16 pilots. Initially, more experienced pilots were trained, but due to the lack of such pilots with knowledge of the English language, the US decided to focus on younger cadets. This decision may delay the formation of a full squadron by several months. Some US officials have indicated that younger cadets will be more open to training by Western standards.
Training bases in different countries
Ukrainian pilots are trained at three military bases. Some of the cadets study at the Morris base in Arizona (USA), another group receives training at the air base in Skridstrup, Denmark. Training is also taking place in Romania, where eight Ukrainian cadets who previously trained in France on Alpha Jets began training on the F-16 last month.
According to the WSJ , only about a dozen pilots have completed training so far, 11 of whom are already flying in Ukraine. However, some pilots who started training in Denmark were unable to complete the program.
Waiting until spring or summer 2025
Despite active training efforts, a full F-16 squadron of 20 aircraft and 40 pilots will likely not be ready until the spring or summer of 2025. According to sources, eight experienced Ukrainian pilots who are currently completing F-16 training in Arizona will arrive in Ukraine early next year.
