Ukraine, Czech Republic to Establish F-16 Training Center

Ukraine and the Czech Republic have agreed to establish a training center for F-16 fighter jets pilots.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced this during a joint press conference with Czech President Petr Pavel.

“For security reasons, we cannot open such a base in Ukraine at this time. Russian strikes continue daily, so we are working with partners to establish such training centers abroad. And it will happen — we have agreed that the Czech Republic will support us in implementing this,” Zelensky said.

Ukrainian pilots are currently training at a center in Romania.

It was developed with support from other allies and Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-16.

The Center meets NATO pilot training standards.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Kyiv has pressed Western governments to provide modern fighter jets.

In 2023, several countries, with U.S. approval, agreed to transfer F-16s to Ukraine.

The arrival of the first aircraft was confirmed in early August 2024 during Air Force Day celebrations.

The Ukrainian Air Force is expected to receive 24 F-16s from the Netherlands under the so-called aviation coalition.

The U.S. State Department recently approved a $310.5 million package for training, modernization, and support services related to Ukraine’s F-16 fleet.

The deal includes software, documentation, inspections, and technical services.

Key contractors will include Valiant Integrated Services, Top Aces Corporation, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Pratt & Whitney, Snap-on, BAE Systems, AAR Corporation, and Comsetra.