Forsvarsudvalget 2022-23 (2. samling)
FOU Alm.del Bilag 130
Offentligt
F-16 Training Concept
The Ministers of Defence of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands,
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom share the conviction
that continued support to Ukraine is of utmost importance in the light of Russia’s brutal and
unprovoked aggression.
In order to assist Ukraine in the defence of its airspace, the countries have established a joint
coalition on the training of the Ukrainian Air Force in operating and maintaining F-16 fighter
aircrafts. The coalition is led by Denmark and the Netherlands.
Along various training tracks, which will be carried out in concert by the members of the
coalition, Ukrainian fighter pilots and support personnel will be trained to operate, support and
maintain the F-16 fighter aircraft at a basic tactical and technical level. There will be a
possibility to include other types of fighter aircrafts at a later stage.
The training intents to cover language training to flight training and conversion to the F-16
platform. The intended training audience will include pilots with different levels of experience,
technicians, support staff and mission planners. The timing of training will depend on
qualifications of the personnel.
The coalition has agreed to support the training with language experts, pilots, ground crew,
instructors, aircraft or funding as appropriate. Ukraine is expected to provide qualified
personnel able to pass necessary language, health and security tests.
The intent is to commence training of teams of pilots and ground crew over a period of six
months. Training can take place at various locations, including Skrydstrup Fighter Base in
Denmark. All training activities will take place outside of Ukraine.
The initiative is expected to consist of the following phases:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Selection of Personnel
Preparation and Mandatory Language Training
Theoretical and Practical Training on F-16s
End of Training
The coalition’s focus will be on training, but will also in due course be ready to consider other
lines of effort related to ensuring Ukraine a fully functional F-16 capability.
Training will be an important first step in setting up an effective and multi-layered air defence
in Ukraine, while establishing a fully operational F-16 structure will be a longer term effort.