The Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic reported the decision in an official statement.The program includes 150 hours of flight training, valued at approximately 32 million Czech koruna, to be used for the education of Ukrainian pilots.This training is part of the broader assistance package the Czech Republic provides to support Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. Although the Czech Armed Forces do not operate F-16 fighter jets, the training will help prepare Ukrainian pilots to work with them.Ukraine has also expressed interest in training using simulators and L-39 training aircraft, which the Czech side can provide.Minister Černochová emphasized that effective defense requires not only advanced equipment but also qualified personnel — particularly trained pilots. As an active member of the “Coalition of the Willing,” the Czech Republic views supporting Ukraine as a strategic interest.The costs will be covered within the Czech Ministry of Defense’s approved budget.The training program includes not only flight hours but also ground preparation, simulator sessions, logistics, and medical examinations — totaling an additional 4.5 million CZK. This will be carried out under a newly signed amendment to the existing contract between the Czech Ministry of Defense and LOM Praha, as well as a cooperation agreement between the defense ministries of the Czech Republic and Ukraine.The training will be conducted under the current national mandate that allows military personnel from Ukraine, the EU, and NATO to stay in Czech territory for training purposes — up to 800 individuals between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2026.