Ukraine’s Air Force has rejected claims that a ‘secret’ cross-national F-16 squadron, allegedly composed of Ukrainian, US and Dutch pilots, is operating over Kyiv, dismissing the story as unfounded and misleading.
First reported by the French outlet Intelligence Online, the claim was subsequently amplified in Ukrainian media, which alleged that veteran Western pilots were flying Ukrainian F-16s to defend the capital, intercepting Russian cruise missiles and drones.
The narrative echoes historical precedents. There are notable examples of foreign volunteer aviators, with the most famous arguably being the Flying Tigers during World War II. Officially known as the American Volunteer Group (AVG), this unit was composed of US pilots who resigned from military service to fly P-40 fighters under Chinese command from 1941.
Yuriy Ignat, Head of the Communications Department of the Ukrainian Air Force Command, dismissed the report with sarcasm, quipping that the supposed squadron must be led by Tom Cruise. Ignat stressed that there is no such unit and that no foreign pilots are flying combat missions in Ukrainian F-16s.
Ukrainian pilots flying Western jets credited with most missile interceptions
Ignat emphasized that, in fact, Ukrainian pilots themselves continue to demonstrate growing effectiveness in defending Ukrainian airspace. He noted that crews flying Western-supplied aircraft account for the majority of cruise missile interceptions during the latest Russian strike wave, working alongside ground-based air defense systems.
Ignat said that the results reflect the professionalism and experience of Ukrainian aircrews and the gradual integration of Western aircraft into Ukraine’s layered air defense, rather than the involvement of foreign combat pilots.
Pilot training pipeline supports F-16, Mirage, and future Western fighters
Ukraine continues to expand its aviation training pipeline to sustain operations and absorb Western aircraft. Ukraine reported training nearly 100 cadet pilots in 2025, alongside broader efforts to train engineers, technicians, and other aviation specialists, with allies’ pipelines supporting the transition to Western procedures and platforms.
This training effort is also tied to aircraft deliveries. According to French defense journalist Romain Mielcarek, France is preparing to deliver two additional Mirage 2000 fighters to Ukraine by the end of the first half of 2026, which would bring Ukraine’s total Mirage fleet to four aircraft. One of three delivered in 2025 was lost in a crash during operations. France is expected to provide full training for additional Ukrainian Mirage crews.
In parallel, Ukraine has signaled ambitions that extend beyond current wartime deliveries, including two letters of intent covering up to 100 Rafale fighters and 100 Gripen E jets signed with France and Sweden, respectively. If pursued, these programs would require an even larger training and sustainment pipeline.