Ukraine receives rare mobile F-16 simulators, Fedorov details key features
Mobile F-16 simulators are designed taking into account the geography of Ukraine (Photo: FEDOROV / Telegram)
Ukraine has received mobile F-16 fighter jet simulators to improve pilot training and shorten the time from instruction to combat use, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said on Apr. 30.
“With the support of our partners, we have received mobile F-16 Fighting Falcon simulators in addition to stationary ones. There are only a few of them worldwide due to their high cost, and some are already in Ukraine,” said Mykhailo Fedorov.
He said the systems will enable continuous training for Ukrainian pilots.
“In effect, this is a transition to NATO standards in their training,” he added.
According to him, the simulators allow pilots to practice complex combat scenarios before flights.
“The simulators were developed specifically to our requirements and technical specifications and take into account Ukraine’s geographic features. The key advantage is mobility. We can quickly relocate them, which is critical for pilot safety under constant attacks,” Fedorov said.
He thanked partners in the Air Force Capability Coalition, as well as the governments of the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Austria, and the developers.
On Aug. 4, 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the delivery of F-16 jets to Ukraine. Several F-16s, along with MiG-29 and Su-27 aircraft, flew over Ukraine during an Air Force ceremony.
On Nov. 17, 2025, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian pilots flying F-16s had shot down about 10 aerial targets during a massive Russian missile and drone attack.
On Nov. 20, the Netherlands delivered the last two of 18 pledged F-16s to a training center in Romania, where Ukrainian pilots and ground personnel are being trained.
On Jan. 2, 2025, Deputy Defense Minister Serhii Melnyk said training times for Ukrainian pilots on Western F-16 jets had been reduced by nearly three months.
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