A major U.S. defense contractor, Draken International, is looking for experienced U.S. military pilots to help train Ukrainian fighter pilots at a NATO F-16 training center in Romania. The center, which opened last year, is located at the 86th Air Base and is playing a critical role in helping Ukraine’s air force prepare for modern air combat.
Draken International, well-known in military aviation, posted several job openings on its U.S. website to fill key roles at the training center. These positions include F-16 Instructor Pilots, Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, and Aircrew Flight Equipment Specialists. These jobs are essential to ensuring the center runs smoothly as it trains about 50 Ukrainian pilots.
The F-16 Instructor Pilots need to have at least 2,000 flight hours in an F-16 fighter jet, along with 500 instructor hours. Even more interesting, the pilots must have secret security clearance by September 1, 2023, meaning only highly qualified, trusted individuals can take these jobs. All the candidates will be vetted as if they were being hired for jobs inside the U.S., even though they’ll be working at this NATO training base in Romania.
Though the jobs are based in Romania, Draken International is advertising the positions solely on its main U.S.-based website rather than its European subsidiary’s page. This shows that the company wants to attract U.S. veterans who have the deep experience needed to train pilots for Ukraine’s F-16 program.
One strange thing that stands out is the company’s mixed reputation. According to Indeed.com, a popular job website, Draken International has received a mediocre 2.6 out of 5 rating from employees. Yet despite this, they continue to be involved in important military projects, such as this one, where they have a chance to play a key role in shaping the future of air warfare for Ukraine.
Earlier, the Ukrainian pilot to fly the very first F-16 was shot down mysteriously. Ukrainian fighter pilot Lt. Col. Oleksiy Mes, known as “Moonfish,” was a hero in the skies, flying one of Ukraine’s newly acquired F-16 jets to defend against Russian missiles and drones. After shooting down several enemy threats, his jet tragically crashed, and he lost his life, casting a dark shadow over Ukraine’s recent triumph in securing these advanced fighter jets. Mes had long championed the cause of bringing F-16s to Ukraine, but his sudden death raised questions, including suspicions of friendly fire. An investigation is ongoing, but his loss symbolizes the high cost of Ukraine’s fight for freedom.
As the war in Ukraine continues, this F-16 training base in Romania could be pivotal in helping Ukraine defend its skies. By hiring experienced U.S. military pilots, Draken International aims to ensure that Ukrainian pilots are prepared to fly and fight in one of the world’s most advanced fighter jets.
