UK Backs Ukraine with Military Aid and Pilot Training: F-16 Transition Program Announced

During a meeting held on May 15 between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, discussions unfolded around an upcoming military aid package, which included the creation of a new program to train Ukrainian pilots for transition to F-16 aircraft.

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President Zelensky arrived in the UK for talks with Prime Minister Sunak on the outcomes of his weekend meetings with European leaders and the situation at the front, particularly the preparations for the «spring counter-offensive».

This visit precedes the Council of Europe Summit in Iceland and the G7 Summit in Japan, both of which will see Prime Minister Sunak and President Zelensky’s virtual attendance. Prime Minister Sunak will utilize these meetings to rally sustained international support for Ukraine, both in terms of military aid and long-term security assurances.

Last week, UK Defence Minister Ben Wallace confirmed the delivery of Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles to Ukraine, marking Kiev’s first long-range armament received. The Storm Shadows have reportedly begun to be used against Russian targets, in tandem with the advanced ADM-160B MALD decoys.

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During today’s meeting, Rishi Sunak is expected to confirm additional UK supply of hundreds of anti-aircraft defence missiles and other unmanned aerial systems, including hundreds of new long-range attack drones with a range of over 200 km. All will be delivered in the coming months as Ukraine prepares for its anticipated counter-offensive.

F-16 Fighters for Ukraine

According to the UK Ministry of Defence, Prime Minister Sunak will emphasize the importance of a comprehensive support package for Ukraine, enhancing its position to ensure victory against Russia and improve future security conditions. This implies that military equipment must be complemented with training, economic support, resolute sanctions against Russia, and long-term security guarantees.

Regarding training, Rishi Sunak announced that the UK would develop a new pilot training program for Ukrainians, supporting their efforts to create a new Ukrainian air force based on the F-16, meeting NATO standards.

This summer will see the start of the basic flight phase courses for cohorts of Ukrainian pilots. The program used by British pilots will be adapted to provide Ukrainians with piloting skills applicable to other aircraft types. This training aligns with UK’s efforts to collaborate with other countries in supplying F-16 reactors, the fighters preferred by Ukraine.

It is important to recall that in March of this year, a pair of Ukrainian pilots went to the U.S. to have their skills evaluated by American military officials, with hours of flight simulator training. While the Biden administration officially continues to reject the idea of transferring F-16 fighters to Ukraine, it’s clear that NATO partners are taking steps to ensure these coveted Western fighters reach the hands of Ukrainian Air Force pilots as soon as possible.

All signs point to the eventual arrival of F-16s in Ukraine. When the U.S. greenlights the transfer and an official announcement is made, Kiev will already have pilots and personnel prepared to equip two or three squadrons, which would be deployed in a more advanced phase of the conflict.