Category
Latest news

Canada Expands Support for Ukrainian Air Force With More F-16 Simulators

2 min read
Authors
Vlad Litnarovych
Vlad Litnarovych
Author
Canada Expands Support for Ukrainian Air Force With More F-16 Simulators
The cockpit of an F-16 flight simulator is seen at the Lockheed Martin Corp. Innovation Demonstration Center in Orlando, Florida, U.S., on June 4, 2015. (Source: Getty Images)

Canada will provide two additional F-16 flight simulators to Ukraine, doubling its initial commitment, Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair announced on February 16.

These simulators will complement the two previously pledged by Canada, aiming to enhance the training and qualifications of Ukrainian Air Force pilots as they prepare to operate F-16 fighter jets.

“Given the current operational demands on Ukraine’s F-16 fleet, which limit the number of aircraft available for training, these simulators will be particularly valuable,” Blair stated.

The minister also highlighted Canada’s successful delivery of two F-16 landing systems in December 2024, which will further enhance Ukraine’s growing fighter jet capabilities.

An engineer demonstrates an F-16 flight simulator at the Lockheed Martin Corp. Innovation Demonstration Center in Orlando, Florida, U.S., on June 4, 2015. (Source: Getty Images)
An engineer demonstrates an F-16 flight simulator at the Lockheed Martin Corp. Innovation Demonstration Center in Orlando, Florida, U.S., on June 4, 2015. (Source: Getty Images)

Earlier, the first-ever photograph of an F-16 fighter jet operated by the Ukrainian Air Force in action emerged, providing insight into its combat role and equipment.

The photograph revealed key details about the aircraft’s configuration. The F-16 is carrying three external fuel tanks, which can hold a total of 1,040 gallons (3,940 liters) of aviation fuel.

This setup extends the aircraft’s operational range to approximately 1,700 kilometers, indicating a long-duration mission, likely conducted over a significant distance.

The image also provides a detailed view of the aircraft’s armament. Under its wings, the F-16 is equipped with AIM-9X infrared-guided short-range air-to-air missiles. This marks a notable upgrade, as earlier photographs of Ukrainian F-16s showed older AIM-9L or AIM-9M variants.

See all