First 10 Ukrainian F-16 Trainee Pilots Complete Elementary Flying Training Phase: Babcock

The first batch of F-16 trainee pilots has completed the Elementary Flying Training (EFT) phase of the Ukrainian Pilot Force development and training program, as confirmed by Babcock International today.

Babcock supplied the Grob Tutor aircraft for this phase, along with all necessary technical and operational support functions. Royal Air Force (RAF) instructors taught the pilots general handling procedures, instrument flying, medium and low-level navigation, and formation flying.

The graduates will now progress to the next stage of their flight training to prepare for training on the F-16 aircraft, which are operated by other countries in the Air Force Capability Coalition, including Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States.

As part of the tripartite agreement among Babcock, the UK Government, and the Ukrainian Government, Babcock serves as the lead industrial partner in Ukraine’s Capability Enhancement Programme.

Currently, Babcock is supporting the Ukrainian Navy with the maintenance of two mine countermeasures vessels following their transfer from the UK Royal Navy. Additionally, Babcock provides operational support to land armored vehicles, such as Challenger 2 tanks, by training Ukrainian personnel and managing vital equipment, supply chains, and spares.