The Ukrainian Air Force has received its first mobile simulators designed to train pilots flying F-16 fighter jets.
The Ministry of Defense announced the delivery.
These systems are expected to make pilot training more effective and enhance the overall capabilities of Ukraine’s air force.
The simulators are adapted to Ukraine’s technical requirements and consider the geographical specifics of the combat theater.
The ministry noted that the key advantage of these systems is their mobility, allowing them to be quickly relocated – something critical for maintaining safety amid ongoing missile attacks.
These systems allow crews to realistically simulate and practice complex missions before flying actual combat sorties.
Using simulators also helps preserve the operational lifespan of F-16 aircraft currently defending Ukraine’s airspace, while lowering overall training costs without reducing combat effectiveness.
In particular, the training includes:
- improving reaction speed and decision-making;
- enhancing situational awareness in dynamic combat;
- carrying out combat missions in a simulated environment.
The project was implemented as part of the aviation coalition, with support from the governments of the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Austria, as well as private development companies.
“F-16 fighter jets are already defending Ukraine’s skies. To increase the effectiveness of intercepting aerial targets, we must continuously improve pilot training and reduce the time from training to combat deployment,” Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said.
In May 2024, the Ukrainian Air Force received an F-16 fighter simulator from the Czech Republic.
In February 2026, it was announced that the Netherlands would provide additional simulators for training pilots on these aircraft. They are expected to help Ukrainian personnel operate the fighter jets they have received more effectively.
