Ukraine, Czechia agree to cooperate on training Ukrainian F-16 pilots

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal held a meeting with his Czech counterpart, Petr Fiala, in Uzhhorod, where both leaders reached an agreement to cooperate on the training of Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet pilots.

The discussions between Shmyhal and Fiala covered a broad spectrum of topics, including security, economic cooperation, Ukraine’s European integration, and the nation’s recovery efforts following the Russian invasion, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

Shmyhal emphasized the critical role Czechia is playing in the international sanctions campaign against Russia, stating, “Czechia is at the forefront of the sanctions policy against the aggressor. We count on further strengthening of sanctions, as well as blocking all loopholes used to circumvent the existing restrictions. We welcome the adoption of the EU's 17th sanctions package. We also insist on the full confiscation of immobilized Russian assets in the West.”

The two prime ministers also reaffirmed the importance of continued support for Ukraine, specifically in terms of military, financial, economic, and humanitarian assistance.

“We will strengthen the integration of Ukrainian and Czech defence industries. In addition, we agreed to cooperate in training Ukrainian F-16 pilots,” Shmyhal added, underscoring the expanding defence cooperation between the two nations.

Czechia has also pledged to actively support Ukraine's European integration efforts, particularly by providing advisory assistance during the pre-accession negotiation process. Additionally, both leaders agreed to intensify bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including energy, agriculture, transport, healthcare, and reconstruction.

"I am confident that Ukraine and Czechia will continue to jointly and effectively respond to numerous security, economic, and integration challenges. Together, we will do everything possible to ensure a peaceful and stable future for the Ukrainian and Czech peoples," Prime Minister Shmyhal said.

The agreement to train Ukrainian pilots is part of a broader strategy to equip Ukraine with advanced air defence capabilities. In 2023, Ukraine, along with its allies, established an air coalition to supply the country with F-16 fighter jets. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine requires a minimum of 128 F-16 aircraft to enhance its defence capabilities.

The first F-16 jets from partner nations, including the Netherlands and Denmark, began arriving in Ukraine in 2024. While the exact number of jets delivered remains undisclosed, Zelenskyy announced in March 2024 that a new batch of F-16s had been received. Belgium has also committed to supplying Ukraine with 30 F-16 fighter jets by the end of 2028.

In addition to these deliveries, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Christopher G. Cavoli, confirmed in April 2024 that more F-16s were being prepared for delivery to Ukraine, although the specific countries providing them have not been revealed.

Meanwhile, recent reports from US media indicated that the United States has sent decommissioned F-16s to Ukraine for use as spare parts. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that Czechia, along with other members of the Coalition of the Willing, will assist in the training of Ukrainian pilots on both F-16 and L-39 aircraft, further strengthening Ukraine’s air capabilities.

By Vafa Guliyeva