Ukraine receives mobile F-16 simulators for pilot training – defence minister
Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced the receipt of mobile F-16 fighter jet simulators to improve pilot training and reduce the time from training to combat deployment.
"With partner support, in addition to stationary ones we have received mobile F-16 simulators. There are only a few of them in the entire world due to their high cost, and some are already in Ukraine. This is an opportunity to continuously train our pilots – effectively a transition to NATO standards in their preparation," Fedorov wrote on Telegram Thursday.
According to him, the simulators allow pilots to practice complex combat scenarios before flying.
"The simulators were developed specifically to our requirements and technical specifications and take into account Ukraine’s geographical features. The key advantage is mobility. We can quickly relocate the simulators, which is critically important for pilot safety amid constant attacks," the minister said.
Fedorov thanked the partners of the Air Force Capability Coalition, as well as the governments of the Netherlands, Czech Republic and Austria and the developing companies.
As reported, the first batch of F-16 fighters from NATO allies arrived in Ukraine in 2024. They are regularly and successfully used to destroy aerial targets during Russian attacks.
On February 12, 2026, Netherlands Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans, at a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG), said that the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Norway and Sweden are providing assistance in the form of a new delivery of American weapons, equipment and ammunition under the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, with the Netherlands also set to deliver F-16 multirole fighter simulators to Ukraine. The total value of the weapons package is EUR 420 million, with the Netherlands contributing around EUR 90 million.
Brekelmans also announced that the Netherlands would supply F-16 simulators to Ukraine. Former Dutch F-16s are actively used by the Ukrainian air force to defend the country against Russian attacks. Simulators play an important role in pilot training. It was not reported whether stationary or mobile simulators were meant.
