Over 180 Ukrainian Fighter Pilots Ready by 2026

Across Europe, Ukraine’s armed forces are being reshaped not just by Western weapons, but by Western training. Fighter pilots are learning to fly advanced jets, ground troops are mastering Nato tactics, and entire units are being rebuilt to fight a modern war. Czechia’s decision to train F16 pilots marks a new phase, adding to the growing coalition preparing Ukraine for air dominance. At the same time, tens of thousands of soldiers are cycling through specialized programs, from basic infantry courses to advanced mechanized warfare. Some experiments, like France’s Anne of Kyiv brigade, have faced painful setbacks, but lessons learned are already shaping a more integrated and resilient force. Together, these efforts aim to give Ukraine not only the tools but the expertise to turn its defense into a long-term advantage.