The Ukrainian Air Force has received mobile F-16 flight simulators that will enable pilots to train and practice for missions at flexible locations, according to a Thursday Ministry of Defense announcement.
The simulators that resemble the cockpit of an F-16 fighter jet are programmed to replicate the terrain and weather conditions pilots might face in combat over Ukraine. The simulators can be moved from location to location so that pilots can use the simulator at different bases, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said in a statement.
“F-16 fighters are already protecting Ukrainian skies. To increase the effectiveness of intercepting air targets, we must constantly improve pilot training and reduce the time from training to combat use,” Fedorov said.
Federov credited the governments of the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Austria, the Air Force Capabilities Coalition, and a multinational group assisting Ukraine with air war capacity development for donating the simulators.
The introduction of mobile simulators is part of a Ukrainian Air Force transition program to train Ukrainian combat pilots to NATO standards, defense outlet Militarnyi reported.
Heavily outnumbered and often technically outclassed by the Russian Air Force, Ukrainian pilots and airmen have, since Russia’s second invasion, employed mobile basing tactics to fly missions from continuously changing airfields.
The approach forced by regular targeting of major Ukrainian air bases by Russian bomber and missile forces has allowed Ukrainian combat squadrons to keep fighting, but complicated pilot training because instructors and simulators needed for proper training often aren’t located at the same place Ukraine F-16 pilots are flying missions from.
“Thanks to the simulators, crews can practice complex combat scenarios, train reaction speed, decision-making and situational awareness. The technology allows for detailed simulation of specific combat missions even before takeoff on real aircraft,” the Militarnyi report says.
“Their key advantage is mobility. This allows for rapid movement of equipment, which is critical for the safety of pilots and the preservation of equipment in conditions of constant threats,” it adds.
According to open sources, the Ukrainian Air Force likely operates 35-40 F-16C fighter jets, a 1990s-era aircraft on par with some Russian Air Force combat aircraft operating in the Russo-Ukraine War but undeniably inferior to Russia’s best fighters like the Sukhoi Su-30SM2 (NATO designation: Flanker-H) and the Sukhoi Su-57 (NATO designation: Felon).
Most often, the Air Force employs its F-16 fleet to defend airspace over critical targets, and as interceptors attacking Russian cruise missiles launched at Ukrainian homes and businesses.
Ukraine has reportedly received 24 F-16s from the Netherlands and 12-19 from Denmark. Belgium and Norway have promised 30 and 6 aircraft, respectively, but have not delivered them. Most of the donated aircraft were 35-45 years old.
Ukraine has admitted the loss of four aircraft since beginning operations against Russia with F-16s in mid-2024.