Ukrainian F-16 pilots are changing their combat tactics, after NATO training proved unsuitable for the war with Russia.

A Ukrainian F-16 pilot stated that the Ukrainian air forces had to develop new flight tactics, as the initial training provided by NATO did not fit the specifics of the war against Russia. After being trained abroad, the pilot noticed that the tactics learned were not effective on the front, so he and his colleagues adapted their attack methods, such as destroying cruise missiles and drones.

The pilot mentioned that Western allies have started to learn from their experiences. He also described a recent mission in which he managed to repel enemy missiles and return safely. Ukraine has received 44 of the 87 promised F-16 aircraft, and the pilots have recorded notable achievements, including the destruction of six missiles in a single flight. The pilot praised the performance of the F-16s but expressed a desire to have more advanced versions to improve combat efficiency.