Poland to Train Ukrainian F-16 Pilots, No Aircraft Transfer Planned

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced that Poland would take on a role in retraining Ukrainian pilots to operate F-16 fighter jets. The remarks came during a press briefing following conversations at the European Political Community summit held in Chisinau, with coverage provided by TVP Info. Morawiecki stressed that Poland would support Ukraine by teaching its air crews how to fly the F-16, a move that signals continued Western cooperation in the defense sector while stopping short of delivering the jets themselves. He added that Poland does not intend to supply the fighters to Kiev because there are only a handful of F-16s stationed close to Warsaw, making such a transfer logistically impractical at present. Although a useful capability, the training program would focus on building proficiency and safety with the aircraft rather than altering Poland’s immediate military inventory. The overarching aim, he implied, is to enhance Ukraine’s pilot skill set and operational readiness without extending Poland’s own arms stock or altering the balance of fighter aircraft available in the region.