The U.S. has changed the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16s, – WSJ.

The United States is making changes to the training program for Ukrainian F-16 pilots. This was reported by The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials.

According to the new training program, Ukrainian F-16 pilots will be training young cadets rather than experienced military personnel. This decision could extend by months the Time when Ukraine receives a full squadron of F-16s for combat operations.

The reason for this decision is the lack of experienced Ukrainian pilots with the necessary English language skills for combat operations.

Interviewees pointed out that the U.S. believes that young cadets will be more open to learning according to Western standards.

The news is also related to the delay in delivering the full squadron of F-16s. According to U.S. officials, it may not appear before the spring or summer of 2025.

During training, newcomers will be trained in the UK and France before moving on to practical training on F-16s in Arizona and Romania. Experienced pilots may be exempt from basic training.

"It's a mix. Some of them were experienced pilots, and we continue to receive experienced pilots. But there are also those who don't have such flight training and experience," noted a Pentagon representative.

U.S. officials also noted that Ukrainian trainees had difficulties with the training program and their level of English proficiency.

Notably, some Ukrainian pilots who had experience on MiG fighters and returned from service in active combat zones were resistant to American training methods.

Such dynamics reflect tensions in military training issues between NATO instructors and Ukrainian pilots who have more combat experience.

Recall that the first F-16 fighters are already in Ukraine.