F-16 training coalition
{{short description|International training program for Ukrainian pilots}}
{{Infobox organization
| name = F-16 training coalition
| logo =
| logo_size =
| logo_caption =
| image = F-16 Vilnius Memorandum.jpg
| image_size = 250px
| caption = The signing of the coalition Memorandum in Vilnius, Lithuania
| map = F-16 training coalition.svg
| map_size =
| map_caption = {{legend|#225500ff|Coalition countries}}{{legend|#ffcc00ff|Ukraine}}
| formation = {{start date and age|2023|07|11|df=y}}
| founding_location = Vilnius, Lithuania
| founders = Denmark
Netherlands
| dissolved =
| type = Military coalition
| tax_id =
| status = Active
| purpose = Training of F-16 pilots and ground personnel
| area_served = NATO and allied countries
| services =
| membership = 14 countries and {{UKR}}
{{Collapsible list
|bullets=yes
|title=
|Belgium
|Canada
|Denmark
|France
|Greece
|Luxembourg
|Netherlands
|Norway
|Poland
|Portugal
|Romania
|Sweden
|United Kingdom
|United States
}}
| key_people =
| main_organ =
| parent_organization =
| website =
}}
The F-16 training coalition is an international coalition formed on 11 July 2023 during the Vilnius Summit with the task of training F-16 pilots, technicians, and support personnel for the Ukrainian Air Force. It originally consisted of 11 nations: Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, as well as Ukraine.{{cite web|url=https://www.mil.gov.ua/en/news/2023/07/11/in-vilnius-oleksii-reznikov-signed-the-memorandum-on-the-establishing-of-the-coalition-for-the-training-ukrainian-pilots-for-the-f-16/|title=In Vilnius, Oleksii Reznikov signed the Memorandum on the establishing of the coalition for the training Ukrainian pilots for the F-16|work=mil.gov.ua|date=2023-07-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831230940/https://www.mil.gov.ua/en/news/2023/07/11/in-vilnius-oleksii-reznikov-signed-the-memorandum-on-the-establishing-of-the-coalition-for-the-training-ukrainian-pilots-for-the-f-16/|archive-date=31 August 2023}} The group was nicknamed the "Ocean's 11" by Ukrainian Minister of Defence Oleksii Reznikov, in reference to the American film Ocean's Eleven.{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/russia-ukraine-war-news-07-23-23#h_e83a8afbdad94c1d412c6f26354bf8ce|title=Ukrainian defense minister says F-16 training will start in August, with pilots in the skies next year|first1=Sebastian|last1=Shukla|first2=Alex|last2=Marquardt|work=CNN|date=23 July 2023}} On 22 August, it was announced that Greece had also joined the coalition, while on 24 August, the United States announced it joined the training efforts as well.{{cite web|url=https://euromaidanpress.com/2023/08/22/greece-joins-ukraines-f-16-fighter-jet-coalition/|title=Greece joins Ukraine's F-16 fighter jet coalition|first=Iryna|last=Voichuk|work=Euromaidan Press|date=22 August 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3504621/us-will-train-ukrainian-f-16-pilots-ground-crews/|title=U.S. Will Train Ukrainian F-16 Pilots, Ground Crews|first=Joseph|last=Clark|work=defense.gov|date=24 August 2023}}
As part of the coalition efforts, a training hub will also be set up in Romania. The Netherlands, Romania, and Lockheed Martin will contribute to the creation and maintenance of this center.{{cite web|url=http://stiri.tvr.ro/centrul-pentru-pregatirea-pilotilor-de-f-16-de-la-fetesti-organizat-de-romania-olanda-si-o-companie-americana_934984.html#view|title=Centrul pentru pregătirea piloţilor de F-16 de la Fetești, organizat de România, Olanda şi o companie americană|first=Adelin|last=Petrișor|language=ro|work=TVR|date=14 July 2023}}
Before the Vilnius summit
In February 2023, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the United Kingdom's intent to train Ukrainian pilots for the F-16 fighter. As the country does not operate the F-16, it could only provide elementary and basic flight training.{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/05/15/britain-to-train-ukrainian-pilots-supply-more-missiles-and-drones/|title=Britain to train Ukrainian pilots, supply more missiles and drones|first=Andrew|last=Chuter|website=defensenews.com|date=15 May 2023}} The British government also announced its intention to create an international coalition for providing Ukraine with air combat capabilities following a meeting between the British prime minister and his Dutch counterpart, Mark Rutte, at the Council of Europe summit in Iceland on 17 May.{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseromania.ro/marea-britanie-intentioneaza-sa-formeze-o-coalitie-internationala-pentru-a-inarma-ucraina-cu-f-16_622723.html|title=Marea Britanie intenționează să formeze o "coaliție internațională" pentru a înarma Ucraina cu F-16|first=Nicolae|last=Iordan|language=ro|work=DefenseRomania|date=17 May 2023}} Soon, the United States, Portugal, Denmark, and Belgium also declared that they would join the initiative.{{cite web|url=https://kyivindependent.com/media-first-20-ukrainian-pilots-to-enter-f-16-training-in-uk/|title=Media: First 20 Ukrainian pilots to enter F-16 training in UK|work=The Kyiv Independent|date=25 May 2023}}
Later that month, it was reported that 20 Ukrainian pilots were to start their training in the UK. The training was to be limited to ground-based basics which would make the pilots ready for more specific F-16 training. In June, the Dutch government submitted a plan according to which the Ukrainian pilots would take part in basic flight training and programs that would increase English language proficiency. According to this plan, a training center would also be established "in an eastern European NATO member state".{{cite web|url=https://english.defensie.nl/latest/news/2023/06/15/training-of-ukrainian-f-16-pilots-to-start-in-the-coming-months|title=Training of Ukrainian F-16 pilots to start in the coming months|work=english.defensie.nl|date=15 June 2023}} Speculations appeared soon after that the NATO member in question was Romania, with the defense news site Defense Romania noting that Romania was the single NATO country operating the F-16 in the region and that the establishment of such a center would also be beneficial for the country which bought 32 F-16s from Norway and faced challenges in training the required pilots.{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseromania.ro/pilotii-ucraineni-de-f-16-pregatiti-in-romania-s-a-confirmat-oficial-crearea-unui-centru-de-pregatire-de-f-16-in-europa-de-est_623126.html|title=Piloții ucraineni de F-16, pregătiți în România? S-a confirmat oficial crearea unui centru de pregătire de F-16 în Europa de Est|first=Darius|last=Mureșan|language=ro|work=DefenseRomania|date=15 June 2023}}
At the beginning of July, it was announced that the Romanian Ministry of Defence was to sign an agreement with Lockheed Martin for the establishment of an F-16 training center in Romania, on the condition that Romanian pilots were to have priority. This was confirmed by Ray Piselli, Vice President of International Affairs at Lockheed Martin, who said that the company received a request to set up a training center that will serve Romanian and allied pilots, with the expectation of including Ukrainian pilots as well.{{cite web|url=http://stiri.tvr.ro/exclusiv--centru-regional-de-pregatire-pentru-pilo--ii-de-f16--in-romania--care-sunt-condi--iile-puse-de-ministerul-apararii---i-cat-de-aproape-suntem-de-semnarea-unui-acord-cu-americanii_934293.html#view|title=Centru Regional de Pregătire pentru piloții de F16, în România. Care sunt condițiile puse de Ministerul Apărării și cât de aproape suntem de semnarea unui acord cu americanii|language=ro|work=TVR|date=4 July 2023}} On 6 July, following a meeting of the Romanian Supreme Council of National Defence ahead of the Vilnius Summit, Romania's possible participation in the international F-16 coalition and the hosting of the training center was further discussed and approved.{{cite web|url=https://www.g4media.ro/breaking-romania-vrea-sa-deschida-un-centru-de-instruire-a-pilotilor-de-avioane-f-16-unde-sa-se-antreneze-si-piloti-din-ucraina-decizie-csat.html|title=România vrea să deschidă un centru de instruire a piloților de avioane F-16 unde să se antreneze și piloți din Ucraina – decizie CSAT|language=ro|first=Alexandru|last=Mihăescu|work=G4media|date=6 July 2023}}
The F-16 coalition
On 11 July, a memorandum was signed between 11 nations and Ukraine during the Vilnius Summit. As part of the signed memorandum, Ukrainian pilots, technicians, and support personnel will participate in the training program. The coalition consisted of Canada, Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. According to the US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Denmark and the Netherlands took leadership of the formed coalition and the two nations are to outline the training plan.{{cite web|url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/nato-allies-details-ukrainian-f-16-training/|title=NATO Allies Reveal New Details on Ukrainian F-16 Training|first=Chris|last=Gordon|website=airandspaceforces.com|date=15 June 2023}} At the end of August, eight Ukrainian pilots and 65 additional personnel, arrived in Denmark at the Skrydstrup Air Base to conduct training on basic tactical and technical levels.{{cite web|url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/07/11/7410869/|title=Group of 11 countries forms coalition for training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighters|work=Ukrainska Pravda|date=11 July 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eight-ukrainian-pilots-begin-f-16-training-denmark-2023-08-22/|title=Eight Ukrainian pilots begin F-16 training in Denmark|author=Johannes Birkebaek|work=Reuters|date=22 August 2023}}
On 22 August, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Greece joined the coalition and will help with the training of Ukrainian pilots.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/greece-train-ukrainian-f-16-pilots-zelenskiy-says-2023-08-21/|title=Greece to train Ukrainian F-16 pilots, Zelenskiy says|work=Reuters|date=21 August 2023}} Two days later, the United States announced its participation in training Ukrainian pilots as well. As reported by the Department of Defense, training in the US is expected to start in October at the Morris Air National Guard Base. A small number of Ukrainian pilots began training with the 162nd Wing around 25 October.{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/25/politics/ukrainian-pilots-begin-f-16-training-in-us/index.html|title=Ukrainian pilots begin F-16 training in US|first=Oren|last=Liebermann|work=CNN|date=25 October 2023}}
Bulgarian Minister of Defence Todor Tagarev also announced his country's intention of joining the coalition and providing training for medical personnel and ground crews.{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseromania.ro/bulgaria-vrea-in-coali_624321.html|title=Bulgaria vrea în "Ocean's 11", coaliția F-16 pentru Ucraina. Vecinii României de la sud de Dunăre – gata să pregătească tehnicieni de F-16|language=ro|first=Darius|last=Mureșan|date=31 August 2023}} On 12 October, Tagarev signed a memorandum of cooperation with his Ukrainian counterpart which included assistance in English courses for the future Ukrainian F-16 pilots.{{cite web|url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/10/12/7423899/|title=France to join training of Ukrainian fighter pilots in 2024|work=Ukrainska Pravda|date=12 October 2023}}
France joined the F-16 coalition in 2024.{{cite web|url=https://kyivindependent.com/f-16s-for-ukraine-when-will-they-arrive-and-what-can-they-do/|title=F-16s for Ukraine: When will they arrive and what can they do?|first=Dinara|last=Khalilova|work=The Kyiv Independent|date=17 January 2024}} The country is to offer initial training for Ukrainian pilots before they could transfer for further fighter jet training offered by other coalition members.{{cite web|url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/12/19/7433779/|title=Bulgaria will help Ukrainian F-16 pilots learn English|work=Ukrainska Pravda|date=19 December 2023}}
=The training center=
{{main|RoAF 86th Air Base#European F-16 Training Center}}
After the Vilnius Summit, it was announced that the F-16 Training Center in Romania would be located at the 86th Air Base of the Romanian Air Force in Fetești. The training hub is funded by all coalition members, while Romania provides the infrastructure of the base, the Netherlands will provide the F-16s for training, and Lockheed Martin will provide the instructors through its subcontractors, Draken International and {{ill|Gesellschaft für Flugzieldarstellung (GFD)|de|GFD Gesellschaft für Flugzieldarstellung}}. As agreed, Romanian pilots will start their training first, then the center will expand to include Ukrainian and other pilots.{{cite web|url=http://stiri.tvr.ro/centrul-pentru-pregatirea-pilotilor-de-f-16-de-la-fetesti-organizat-de-romania-olanda-si-o-companie-americana_934984.html#view|title=Centrul pentru pregătirea piloților de F-16 de la Fetești, organizat de România, Olanda și o companie americană|first=Adelin|last=Petrișor|language=ro|work=TVR|date=14 July 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.aviatiamagazin.com/aviatie-militara/inaugurarea-centrului-european-de-instruire-f-16-din-romania-la-baza-86/|title=Inaugurarea Centrului European de Instruire F-16 din România, la Baza 86|language=ro|first=Horațiu|last=Goanță|work=aviatiamagazin.com|date=14 November 2023}} Following the visit to Romania on 10 October, President Zelenskyy announced that it was agreed to speed up the process and Ukrainian pilots will be enrolled in the first wave of training.{{cite web|url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3772259-zelensky-iohannis-agree-to-speed-up-f16-training-of-ukrainian-pilots.html|title=Zelensky, Iohannis agree to speed up F-16 training of Ukrainian pilots|work=ukrinform.net|date=10 October 2023}}{{Cite tweet |number=1711743225805861033 |user=ZelenskyyUa |title=There is a very important decision: in Romania, pilots will be trained to operate F-16s |first=Volodymyr |last=Zelenskyy |date=10 October 2023}} According to Dutch Chief of Defence Onno Eichelsheim, the Ukrainian pilots are to begin training at the center in early 2024.{{cite web|url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/romania-debuts-f-16-center-hosts-ukrainian-pilots-for-joint-exercises/|title=Romania Debuts F-16 Center, Hosts Ukrainian Pilots for Joint Exercises|website=mil.in.ua|date=14 November 2023}}
At the end of August, it was reported that the Netherlands would initially bring 12 F-16s to the training center.{{cite web|title=Primii opt piloți ucraineni de F-16 vor pilota aeronavele americane în vara lui 2024 |url=http://stiri.tvr.ro/washington-post-primii-pilo-i-ucraineni-de-f-16-in-vara-lui-2024_936972.html#view |first=Adelin|last=Petrișor |language=ro |work=TVR |date=12 August 2023}} The number of F-16s could be further increase to 18 aircraft.{{cite web|url=http://stiri.tvr.ro/olanda-va-aduce-in-baza-aeriana-fete--ti-12-avioane-f-16--la-centrul-regional-de-antrenament_937838.html#view|title=Olanda va aduce în baza aeriană Fetești 12 avioane F-16, la Centrul regional de antrenament|first=Adelin|last=Petrișor |language=ro |work=TVR |date=12 August 2023}} Before training could start, these aircraft will first be used for refresher training of the hired F-16 instructors. Training will be carried out only in NATO airspace.{{cite web|url=https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/08/29/lockheed-martin-gaat-f16-trainingen-verzorgen-in-roemenie|title=Lockheed Martin gaat F-16-trainingen verzorgen in Roemenië|language=nl|work=defensie.nl|date=29 August 2023}}
File:Volodymyr Zelensky F-16.jpg at Eindhoven Air Base in the Netherlands]]
During the Informal Meeting of EU Defence Ministers in Toledo, Spain, a Letter of intent regarding the establishment of the F-16 Training Center in Romania was signed by the Romanian Minister of Defence Angel Tîlvăr with the Dutch Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren and Lockheed Martin executive Filippo Marchetti. Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu also confirmed that the necessary approvals for initiating the training were secured.{{cite web|url=https://www.aviacionline.com/2023/08/f-16-training-center-established-in-romania-for-ukrainian-pilots-netherlands-lockheed-martin-set-to-collaborate/|title=F-16 Training Center Established in Romania for Ukrainian Pilots; Netherlands, Lockheed Martin Set to Collaborate|first=Pablo|last=Díaz|work=Aviacionline|date=30 August 2023}}
The first aircraft arrived on 7 November, with the European F-16 Training Center being opened after an official ceremony on 13 November.{{cite web|url=https://english.mapn.ro/cpresa/6110_the-first-five-aircraft-of-the-european-f-16-training-center-landed-in-fete%C8%99ti|title=The first five aircraft of the European F-16 Training Center landed in Fetești|work=mapn.ro|date=7 November 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/11/07/nederlandse-f-16s-op-weg-naar-trainingscentrum-in-roemenie|title=Nederlandse F-16's op weg naar trainingscentrum in Roemenië|language=nl|work=defensie.nl|date=7 November 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://kyivindependent.com/training-center-for-ukrainian-f-16-pilots-opens-in-romania/|title=Training center for Ukrainian F-16 pilots opens in Romania|first=Elsa|last=Court|work=The Kyiv Independent|date=13 November 2023}} After a first batch of Romanian pilots finished their training in July 2024,{{cite web|url=https://tvrinfo.ro/ceremonie-la-baza-borcea-o-noua-serie-de-piloti-de-f-16-sunt-pregatiti-de-zbor/|title=Ceremonie la Baza Borcea. O nouă serie de piloți de F-16 sunt pregătiți de zbor|language=ro|website=tvrinfo.ro|date=26 July 2024}} Ukrainian pilots arrived at the base in September as confirmed by the Ukrainian Minister of Defence.{{cite web|url=https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/09/12/ukrainian-f-16-training-underway-in-romania/|title=Ukrainian F-16 training underway in Romania|first=Olena|last=Mukhina|website=euromaidanpress.com|date=12 September 2024}}
F-16 supplied to Ukraine
On 17 August, the United States approved the donation of F-16 fighters to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us-approves-sending-f-16s-ukraine-denmark-netherlands-2023-08-17/|title=US approves sending F-16s to Ukraine from Denmark and Netherlands|first1=Steve|last1=Holland|first2=Idrees|last2=Ali|work=Reuters|date=18 August 2023}} The two countries subsequently announced their intention to supply Ukraine with 19 and 42 aircraft, respectively.{{cite web|url=https://www.euronews.com/2023/08/20/denmark-and-netherlands-pledge-to-give-f-16-fighter-jets-to-ukraine-as-zelenskyy-visits|title=Denmark and Netherlands pledge to give F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine as Zelenskyy visits|work=Euronews|date=20 August 2023}} The first batch of 18 F-16s from the Netherlands was announced on 22 December 2023. The aircraft might be delivered in the first half of 2024 according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.{{cite web|url=https://english.nv.ua/nation/f-16-jets-will-not-arrive-in-2023-says-ukraine-air-force-50379147.html|title=No F-16s in 2023 says Air Force|work=The New Voice of Ukraine|date=25 December 2023}} Norway has also announced its intention to donate F-16s to Ukraine, however, no numbers have been revealed yet.{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/norway-provide-f-16-fighter-jets-ukraine-us-date-pilot-training/|title=US sets date to train Ukrainian F-16 pilots as Norway pledges jets|first=Claudia|last=Chiappa|work=Politico|date=25 August 2023}}
On 11 October, it was announced that Belgium will supply an undisclosed number of F-16 fighters to Ukraine. The aircraft will not be delivered until 2025.{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2023/10/11/belgium-agrees-to-send-f-16s-to-ukraine-but-not-before-2025/|title=Belgium agrees to send F-16s to Ukraine, but not before 2025|first=Elisabeth|last=Gosselin-Malo|work=defensenews.com|date=11 October 2023}}
According to the Danish Defense Minister, Ukraine was set to receive the first F-16s in the summer of 2024 if the preparations proceed accordingly. A previous statement by the Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anušauskas and an unnamed official, said that Ukraine could receive the first airplanes around June. This statement, although not officially confirmed, was not dismissed by Yurii Ihnat, the spokesman of the Ukrainian Air Force.{{cite web|url=https://kyivindependent.com/denmark-confirms-ukraine-set-to-receive-first-f-16-jets-this-summer/|title=Denmark confirms Ukraine set to receive first F-16 jets this summer|first=Dinara|last=Khalilova|work=The Kyiv Independent|date=22 February 2024}}
On 31 July, it has been reported that a small number of F-16s arrived in Ukraine and had already flown their first combat missions in an air defense role.{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-31/ukraine-gets-first-delivery-of-f-16-fighter-jets-after-long-wait?srnd=homepage-europe|title=Ukraine Receives First F-16 Fighter Jets After Long Wait|work=Bloomberg|first1=Jennifer|last1=Jacobs|first2=Andra|last2=Timu|first3=Alberto|last3=Nardelli|date=31 July 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/07/31/f-16s-finally-fly-ukraine-major-boost-kyiv-russia-war/|title=F-16 fighter jets finally fly in Ukraine in major boost for Kyiv|work=The Telegraph|first=Joe|last=Barnes|date=31 July 2024}} A report given by The Economist further added that Ukraine received a total of ten F-16s in the first batch and by the end of the year 20 F-16s should be in Ukrainian service with the rest of the aircraft delivered in 2025.{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/europe/2024/08/04/how-much-of-a-difference-will-ukraines-new-f-16s-make|title=How much of a difference will Ukraine's new F-16s make?|newspaper=The Economist|date=4 August 2024}} On 4 August, President Zelenskyy presented the F-16s in Ukrainian service during a ceremony held at an unnamed base. The country which donated these jets was also not disclosed.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4ng1p72wlwo|title=Ukraine receives first F-16 fighter jets - Zelensky|first1=Ido|last1=Vock|first2=James|last2=Waterhouse|work=BBC|date=4 August 2024}}
In an interview given earlier, in June, the head of the Ukrainian Air Force Sergiy Holubtsov stated that some Ukrainian F-16s will also be stored outside the country, likely in Poland and Romania, when in need of repairs and be kept as a reserve.{{cite web|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-war-russia-f16s-holubtsov-stored-abroad-nato/32986695.html|title=Ukrainian Air Force General Says Some F-16s Will Be 'Stored Outside' Ukraine|work=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|first=Yaroslav|last=Krechko|date=10 June 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/analytics/f-16s-on-the-way-when-ukraine-will-receive-1722062973.html|title=F-16s on the way: When Ukraine will receive fighter jets and see their effect at the frontline|work=RBC-Ukraine|date=27 July 2024}}
References
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