Ukrainian Air Force Pilots Begin F-16 Training

Pilots are using a desktop virtual reality flight simulator to familiarize themselves with the fighter before training in the U.S.

Kimberly Johnson

Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 02:24 PM ET

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[Air Force of Ukraine/ screenshot]

Key Takeaways:

Ukrainian Air Force fighter pilots are using desktop virtual reality flight simulators to familiarize themselves with F-16s while awaiting formal training and aircraft delivery.
Formal F-16 flight training for Ukrainian pilots is commencing in various locations, including Denmark and the U.S., ahead of donated jets arriving from countries like the Netherlands in 2024.
The virtual reality training is a time-saving measure, allowing pilots to efficiently learn F-16 systems and perform virtual missions from different locations in their free time.

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When not in the cockpit, Ukrainian Air force fighter pilots are familiarizing themselves with flying F-16s by using desktop virtual reality flight simulators, according to reports.

The news comes as Ukrainian pilots prepare to soon begin flight training on the fighters in Arizona before taking delivery of donated jets pledged from Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway. Ukrainian defense officials have long sought access to the aircraft following Russia’s invasion in 2022.