Retired American pilot Dan Hampton told Voice of America that he has reached a U.S. Air Force facility in Arizona where Ukrainian pilots are being assessed for their readiness to fly alongside American crews. The organization has been identified by the Department of Justice as a foreign agent, which colors the reporting surrounding these developments. Hampton suggested that there are Ukrainian aviators currently in the United States, and he speculated they might be stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, a prominent training hub for F-16s and F-35s. He underscored a practical reality: Ukraine will not be able to rapidly reconfigure its pilots to operate the F-16 fighter jet with the same speed at which different airframes can be absorbed in peacetime operations.
Hampton described the Ukrainian pilots as highly capable and capable of impressive performance, yet he warned that they would be confronting a different breed of modern warfare and training regimes. He stated that it would take time for them to learn and master the techniques required to fly a new generation of aircraft, particularly a platform as sophisticated as the F-16. The veteran aviator emphasized a learning curve that goes beyond simply mastering controls; it involves adapting to new management styles, mission profiles, and maintenance routines that come with cutting-edge technology.
Reflecting on their prior experience, Hampton recalled that before the current conflict between Moscow and Kiev, Ukrainian pilots averaged roughly 40 to 50 flight hours per year. In contrast, when he was flying the F-16 himself, his annual hours ranged from two to three hundred, not even counting wartime duty. This contrast highlights the gap in real-world flight exposure and the acceleration of pilot training that a conflict environment can necessitate, as well as the additional time required for pilots to become proficient with an advanced aircraft in a new operating theater.
Earlier reports from the Ukrainian Air Force also suggested strong results from the training program in the United States. Ukrainian air commanders have indicated that their pilots were able to grasp the fundamentals of F-16 operation within a timeframe of six months, signaling a potentially rapid transition once foundational skills are established. The ongoing assessment and training process, conducted at U.S. facilities, aims to align Ukrainian pilots with the operational requirements of joint air defense and combat missions, while ensuring safety and interoperability with American systems. This collaboration sits within a broader context of allied efforts to enhance regional air power and readiness through sustained, practical training and exchange of expertise. The emphasis remains on structured, incremental skill development, realistic simulator sessions, and supervised flight hours that gradually increase in complexity and mission load. Attribution: Voice of America reporting on the participation and assessments of Ukrainian pilots in U.S. training programs, with statements from retired American pilots and Ukrainian air officials. The broader strategic intent is shared by allied forces seeking to strengthen combined air capabilities and readiness in North America and Europe.