The aim of the visit was to give the American instructors a clear view of current Czech tactical training so conditions can be set for the first phase of F-35 preparation in the United States. One of the US instructors is based at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas, where Czech pilots will later complete conversion, combat and instructor courses.
Major Aleš Svoboda of the Czech Air Force Command, responsible for pilot training within the F-35 programme, said the cooperation builds on earlier joint work in Texas. “Oba instruktory známe již z dřívějška z Texasu, kde jsme měli možnost absolvovat už několik týdenních stáží na simulátorech F-35. Velmi pozitivně tam hodnotili práci našich pilotů, kteří se vždy velmi rychle adaptovali na letouny páté generace a zvládli plnit i složitější taktické scénáře. Společné cvičení na simulátorech v Česku tuto úspěšnou spolupráci prohlubuje a umožňuje vytvořit podmínky pro co nejefektivnější výcvik našich budoucích pilotů F-35,“ uvedl major Aleš Svoboda z velitelství Vzdušných sil Armády ČR, který má v rámci programu F-35 na starosti výcvik pilotů.
Briefings during the week covered current Czech pilot training and its expected changes, along with Gripen tactics at a level consistent with non-classified information. Czech pilots and members of the Integrated Project Team for Tactical Aviation also received updates on Ebbing’s infrastructure development, which aims to expand capacity and improve training conditions for foreign pilots, including those from the Czech Republic.
American instructors described the joint training as highly valuable, noting that it helped them understand in detail how Czech fighter pilots think and operate. They expressed confidence that Gripen pilots are well prepared and that their transition to the F-35 will be smooth and successful.
Czech pilots have already taken part in several F-35-related training events in the United States as part of the long-term preparation plan. The main training phase is scheduled for 2029 to 2031, by which time the Czech Republic expects to receive the first of its 24 ordered F-35s and for the full development of facilities at Ebbing, including expanded airspace for military flights.
