On May 10, the Czech Republic handed over the first F-16 fighter jet trainer to one of Ukraine’s tactical aviation brigades, Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk.
“I thank everyone who is helping Ukraine strengthen its aircraft component. Of course, in addition to the F-16s themselves, we need to create a strong supply of training equipment for our youth. I urge our allies to join this initiative.”
According to Oleshchuk, the main module of the simulator is already being tested and prepared for operation by Ukrainian specialists.
The next step is to install the hydraulics and cockpit so that the pilots can feel the realism of the training flight.
The Air Force commander thanked everyone who helped Ukraine strengthen its aviation component and noted that in addition to the aircraft themselves, it is important to create a powerful training and material base for Ukrainian pilots.
Oleksandr Diakiv, the representative of the Air Force Training Command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, said, “This is not a simulator, it is a full-fledged aviation exercise machine with a real F-16 cockpit. The pilot can clearly feel where the controls are located, what he sees in flight, and what signals are transmitted.”
On the trainer, the maintenance specialists perform takeoff, route, targeting, and weapon use.
Before that, Ukraine had virtual simulators of the types of aircraft that Ukrainian pilots are now mastering.
A representative of the Czech company that provided the simulator said he was very happy to help Ukraine. He noted that Czech specialists had already been to Ukraine and trained the first 5 specialists who will now instruct Ukrainian pilots on how to use the simulator.
Kyiv expects to receive its first F-16 fighter jets from its Western allies in June-July, a high-ranking Ukrainian military source.
Ukraine has sought U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets to help it counter Russia’s air superiority for more than two years of war. The source did not say which country would supply the jets.
So far, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium have committed to sending F-16s to Ukraine.
