Ukraine and Czechia are working to establish a joint F-16 pilot training facility outside Ukraine, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The announcement was made during a joint press conference with Czech President Petr Pavel in Prague on May 4.
The initiative will form part of the broader international aviation coalition aimed at supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities. “Our officials and military representatives are discussing the next steps in expanding the aviation coalition—specifically, the creation of a Ukrainian-Czech F-16 school,” Zelenskyy stated.
Due to ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks, the facility cannot be located on Ukrainian territory. “It is clear that, for security reasons, we cannot open such a base in Ukraine at this time,” Zelenskyy said, noting that discussions are underway to establish training centers in partner countries. He confirmed that Czechia has agreed to support this effort.
The school is expected to provide Ukrainian pilots with advanced training on operating US-made F-16 fighter jets. As of early August 2024, Ukraine received the first batch of ten F-16s out of the 79 pledged by partner nations, following approval by the United States.
In addition to pilot training, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine also expects to receive 1.8 million artillery shells in 2025 as part of a separate Czech-led defense assistance initiative.
Earlier on May 4, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Czechia for his first official visit since 2023, where he discussed expanded defense cooperation, including F-16 pilot training and artillery support, with Czech leaders.
