Did Ukrainian pilots really start training on the F-16 in Romania: Ignat dotted the i’s

Ukrainian pilots are learning to fly the F-16 / Collage 24 Channel/EPA/UPG

A video is being circulated online showing Ukrainian pilots working on F-16s in the Romanian city of Fetesti. However, our pilots have not yet begun training in Romania on American fighters.

This information was shared with Channel 24 by the speaker of the Air Force Command, Yuri Ignat. According to him, Ukrainian pilots are studying and some have already boarded the F-16 with instructors, but in Denmark and the USA (Arizona).

The F-16 training center is just under construction.

Young pilots also undergo a longer training course in the UK. However, a training center has just opened in Romania, which is at the stage of formation and construction.

It is necessary to establish an educational and material base. At least accommodations. 5 aircraft transferred by the Netherlands (to the future center of Romania for training of Ukrainian pilots – Channel 24) are their obligations within the framework of the aviation coalition, they will be transferred before the end of the year. According to statements, up to 18 aircraft will be able to be transferred to this center, explained the speaker of the Air Force Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

To start studying at a Romanian center you need to place the following:

• training and material base – F-16 aircraft, where there are two places for a pilot and an instructor;
• training base;
• ground support units

When will pilots be able to start training?

In addition, the start of training on the F-16 depends on the geopolitical situation in the world, the serviceability of equipment, and the speed of base formation. However, the most important thing is how many foreign instructors can be attracted. After all, one instructor cannot teach several pilots at the same time.

This is a serious shortage profession. The instructors will work not only with Ukrainian pilots; this center is not being built for us personally. It is being built for all partners: both Romanian pilots and from other countries, who will also likely switch to the F-16 and be able to undergo training there. – Yuri Ignat emphasized.

Most likely, training of Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 in Romania will begin in a few months. This will be officially reported by the Air Force of the Ukrainian Armed Forces or the government leadership.