H.R. 8144 – Ukrainian Fighter Pilots Act

AI-Generated Summary

Updated February 8, 2026 at 4:13 PM UTC

The Ukrainian Fighter Pilots Act authorizes up to $100 million in U.S. funds to train Ukrainian military pilots and related personnel on F‑15, F‑16 and other aircraft, boosting Ukraine’s air combat capability during the Russian invasion. The money is drawn from existing foreign assistance and security‑force capacity programs. The bill also requires the Defense Secretary to notify Congress before any assistance is provided.

Key Provisions

Approves $100 million from foreign assistance and security‑force capacity authorities for Ukrainian pilot assistance and training.
Provides training on F‑15, F‑16, air‑to‑air combat, and associated munitions such as AIM‑9X2 or AIM‑9M.
Aims to build partnerships, improve Ukraine’s ability to train its own pilots, and share NATO tactics and techniques.
Requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a detailed notice to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees at least 15 days before any assistance is provided, outlining objectives, budget, and timeline.

Legislative Activity

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HouseIntro Referral Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Affairs Committee

June 17, 2022

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

June 17, 2022

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Affairs Committee

June 17, 2022

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued June 17, 2022

I

117th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 8144

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 17, 2022

Mr. Kinzinger (for himself and Ms. Houlahan) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

A BILL

To authorize appropriations to provide assistance and training to Ukrainian military pilots, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Ukrainian Fighter Pilots Act.

2.

Expansion of cooperation and training with Ukraine

(a)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated, from amounts authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 541 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2347; relating to international military education and training) and amounts authorized to be appropriated to build the capacity of foreign security forces pursuant to section 333 of title 10, United States Code, $100,000,000. Amounts so authorized shall be made available to provide assistance to Ukrainian military pilots (and, as appropriate, other Ukrainian Forces involved in flying or maintaining F–15 and F–16 aircraft) for the following purposes:

(1)

Training and familiarity building with the F–15, F–16, and other air platforms as appropriate for air-to-air combat.

(2)

Training on the use of munitions sets determined appropriate by the Secretary of Defense, such as AIM–9X2 or AIM–9M.

(3)

Establishing a rapport between the Armed Forces of the United States and the Armed Forces of Ukraine to build partnerships for the future.

(4)

Enhancement of capabilities for aerial combat operations.

(5)

Focusing on the ability of Ukraine to teach current and future pilots on the F–15, F–16, and other air platforms in Ukraine and elsewhere, especially during the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

(6)

Fostering a better understanding of the air platforms, tactics, and techniques of the United States and other member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

(b)

Notice to Congress

Not later than 15 days before providing assistance or support using amounts made available pursuant to the authorization under subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a notification containing the following elements:

(1)

A detailed description of the assistance or support to be provided, including—

(A)

the objectives of such assistance or support;

(B)

the budget for such assistance or support; and

(C)

the expected or estimated timeline for delivery of such assistance or support.

(2)

A description of such other matters as the Secretary considers appropriate.