Ukraine - F-16 - Training - 2022
One of the reasons for the delay in the transfer of Western fighters to Ukraine is the long-term training of Ukrainian pilots who are used to working on Soviet-type aircraft. The House of Representatives of the US Congress approved funding for the training of Ukrainian pilots on US fighter jets, allocating US$100 million for this purpose. Ukraine's Air Force chose a group of pilots who can begin training on modern foreign fighters, and it is now up to Western partners to decide on the types of aircraft that can be provided to Ukraine. Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has a plan for the fastest retraining of pilots and aviation engineering personnel for US-made F-16 Falcon, F-15, and maybe F-18 fighter jets. Even aerobatics, the skills of which Ukrainian pilots possess, does not save them from the missiles of Russian-fascist invaders, Colonel Yuriy Bulavka, a 1st class fighter pilot said 27 April 2022 . "We need more advanced aircraft to counter the enemy in the air. American F-16 Falcons, F-15s, and maybe F-18s would be enough to tip the advantage in our favor," the pilot said. According to him, there is an action plan for the fastest retraining of pilots and aviation engineering personnel.
Rep. Kinzinger, Adam [R-IL-16] on 17 June 2022 introduced H.R.8144 - Ukrainian Fighter Pilots Act. This bill authorizes providing assistance and training to Ukrainian military pilots and other Ukrainian forces involved in flying or maintaining F-15 and F-16 aircraft. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, with no subsequwnt Congressional action.
There was to be authorized to be appropriated, from amounts authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 541 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2347; relating to international military education and training) and amounts authorized to be appropriated to build the capacity of foreign security forces pursuant to section 333 of title 10, United States Code, $100,000,000.
Amounts so authorized shall be made available to provide assistance to Ukrainian military pilots (and, as appropriate, other Ukrainian Forces involved in flying or maintaining F-15 and F-16 aircraft) for the following purposes: Training and familiarity building with the F-15, F-16, and other air platforms as appropriate for air-to-air combat. Training on the use of munitions sets determined appropriate by the Secretary of Defense, such as AIM-9X2 or AIM-9M. Establishing a rapport between the Armed Forces of the United States and the Armed Forces of Ukraine to build partnerships for the future. Enhancement of capabilities for aerial combat operations. Focusing on the ability of Ukraine to teach current and future pilots on the F-15, F-16, and other air platforms in Ukraine and elsewhere, especially during the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Fostering a better understanding of the air platforms, tactics, and techniques of the United States and other member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine had selected a group of pilots who will be mastering Western fighter jets in the future. Yurii Ihnat, Speaker of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, mentioned this on air during the UA together marathon 30 October 2022. According to him, the selected group includes several dozen pilots proficient in English.
"Lieutenant General Mykola Oleschuk, Commander of the Air Force, identified a group - these include dozens of pilots who can move and start studying even tomorrow. Just need to decide which warplanes the partners would be ready to provide us. These airmen are young, promising, proficient in English, with combat experience," Ihnat said.
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