On July 9, the Czech government approved the Ministry of Defense’s proposal to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets by the end of 2026, the country’s Ministry of Defense reported.
The state enterprise LOM Praha will provide 150 hours of flight training for up to eight Ukrainian pilots. The pilots will train on F-16 aircraft, which the Czech army does not have in its arsenal, but the Ukrainian side also expressed interest in training on simulators and subsonic L-39 aircraft, the government noted.
The L-39 is a Soviet-era trainer and light attack aircraft developed by the Czech company Aero Vodochody in the 1960s. It became one of the most widely used aircraft worldwide for pilot training and has numerous modifications used in combat conditions.
“If Ukraine wants to continue effectively defending itself against Russian aggression, it needs not only military equipment but also well-trained armed forces, including the air force,” said Defense Minister Jana Černochová.
All expenses of the Czech side for providing the training — 32 million Czech crowns (about $2.9 million) — will be covered by the approved budget of the Czech Ministry of Defense.
“We have the capacity, know-how, and experience and, in cooperation with the Czech Army, are ready to offer them where they are truly needed,” said Jiří Protiva, Director of LOM Praha.
