Western training limits pose challenges for Ukraine's F-16 programme Analysis by Institute for Study of War

Limitations on Western capabilities to train partner pilots on F-16 fighter jets are reportedly creating bottlenecks that will affect Ukraine's ability to effectively field F-16s in the future.

According to Politico, the US, Danish, and Romanian F-16 pilot training facilities can only train a limited number of Ukrainian pilots, Caliber.Az informs citing the report of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). 

A full squadron of 20 aircraft requires 40 pilots. If the current training constraints continue, Ukraine will only have enough pilots for a full squadron at the end of 2025. Ukraine will not be able to use all the Western-provided aircraft as effectively as possible until the necessary number of Ukrainian pilots complete training.

Ukraine may be able to set conditions to have Ukrainian aviation operate in the air domain to support Ukrainian ground operations if Ukraine is able to sufficiently destroy Russian air defence assets within Russia using Western long-range strike capabilities, obtain a sufficient cadre of pilots capable of flying F-16s, and receive a timely delivery and a sufficient number of F-16 airframes.