Work on the integration of the F-16 fighter jet into the overall system of Ukrainian Defense Forces continues both in Ukraine and abroad.

The First Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Oleksandr Pavliuk, told about it.

The processes are taking place simultaneously as part of joint efforts within the framework of the international aviation coalition.

Pavliuk noted that Ukraine is working to implement the Fast Track by the end of 2024.

“Within its framework, airfields for multirole fighter jets were assessed. Also, our pilots and engineers have been training on the F-16 since August 2023 under a wide range of programs,” the First Deputy Minister of Defense noted.

According to him, complex and painstaking work is underway inside Ukraine to prepare the infrastructure, protect it, including with air defense equipment, and with other numerous issues.

“I would like to note that training on the territory of Ukraine takes place in conditions of constant use of airfield infrastructure, engineers and flight personnel for combat missions,” Pavliuk emphasized.

The lieutenant general emphasized that the Ukrainian military does everything to “defeat the enemy, protect its own capabilities and acquire new ones at the same time.”

Previously, Ukraine created a structure to comprehensively ensure the continuous integration of F-16 multirole fighter jets.

The program is expected to have two stages of deployment: “fast track”, designed until the end of 2024, and scaling up phase.

The main areas of work will include:

• support and development of airfield infrastructure (aviation bases);
• comprehensive protection of airfield infrastructure, including the air defense system;
• selection and training of flight crews and other aviation personnel;
• support of the aircraft life cycle and logistics support;
• international communication and other legal, financial, security, and administrative functions.

In December, Militarnyi reported that the first group of Ukrainian pilots had completed a basic flight training program in the UK. They are now learning to fly F-16 fighter jets in Denmark.