A quickening pace of high-level and behind-closed-doors meetings last week continued to shape the nascent Ukrainian F-16 program, but this recent progress aside, it is increasingly evident Ukrainian Air Force-piloted F-16s will not be flying missions until early 2024. Group Editor Marty Kauchak investigates. 

“Before the war, everyone in Ukraine thought simulation was a game,” said Michael Obod, an entrepreneur whose Ukraine-based Skiftech builds tactical simulation programs. “But they are very serious now and understand how to utilize it.”

The US and other nations continue to provide a broad range of war materiel to Ukraine. Belatedly, the oft-discussed transfer of F-16s to Ukraine is gathering speed. Group Editor Marty Kauchak explores the situation.

A few days ago, the plate tectonics of the Ukraine-Russian war quickened as the US and its allies gave policy-level approval to transfer fourth-generation F-16s to Ukraine. The implications of the new missions the Ukrainian air force may be able to attempt with these fighter aircraft are significant. 

The Ukraine-Russia war and other fast-moving global events are compelling the US and its allies and partners to continue investments in learning technologies across their training enterprises – and concurrently strengthen their live training programs.

More than 600 Ukrainian fighters have finished a five-week advanced US training course in Germany, the Pentagon said. 

Defence ministers from the 27 EU countries this week discussed the possibility – but have not yet reached unanimous agreement – to launch a military training mission for Ukraine. 

A group of Colombian soldiers will travel to Europe to train Ukraine's military on techniques to remove landmines.