Ukraine's pilots can learn F-16 fighter jets faster than what Pentagon recently predicted.
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A US Air Force F-16 aircraft flies near the Rionegro Airport during military drills between the Colombia and the United States Air Forces in Rionegro, Antioquia department, Colombia on July 12, 2021.
Colin Kahl, a top Pentagon policy official, claimed that if Ukrainian soldiers are trained to fly F-16s, it would take them 18 months to learn.
This time frame he shared in February is comparable to the time it would require to export fighter jets to Ukraine.
But, a leaked Air Force document revealed that Ukrainian pilots could master F-16 jets faster than 18 months.
Ukraine's Pilots Can Master F-16 Jets Faster Than Pentagon's Prediction
According to Business Insider's latest report, Yahoo News acquired an Air Force document revealing how fast Ukrainian pilots can master F-16 fighter jets.
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A Belgian F-16 jet fighter takes part in the NATO Air Nuclear drill "Steadfast Noon" (its regular nuclear deterrence exercise) at the Kleine-Brogel air base in Belgium on October 18, 2022. - NATO on October 17, 2022 launched its regular nuclear deterrence drills in western Europe, after tensions soared with Russia over President Vladimir Putin's veiled threats in the face of setbacks in Ukraine.
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The Air Force assessment detailed an F-16 training activity involving two of Ukraine's pilots.
The aircraft flyers were trained at the Morris Air National Guard Base, which is located in Tucson, Arizona.
The Air Force document stated that the Ukranian pilots exceeded the U.S. expectations throughout 11 and a half hours.
During the nine F-16 simulations, the two Ukranian airmen were able to learn the ins and outs of the fighter jet.
In conclusion, the Air Force assessment claimed that Ukranian pilots can master the American-made fighter jet in just four months.
This is shorter compared to the estimated 18 months of training claimed by Kahl.
Will Ukraine Finally Receive F-16s?
Pentagon's previous training period prediction is one of the major reasons why Ukraine hasn't received the fighter jets yet.
However, with the newly leaked Air Force assessment document, this reason could be ruled out.
This May, numerous European leaders, as well as some top German and U.K. officials, are pressuring the U.S. government to send F-16s to Ukraine.
On Thursday, May 18, the Biden administration already signaled that it could allow the export of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
In other stories, China's next-gen radar, which could detect all kinds of air threats, was revealed.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Air Force successfully operated an MQ-9 Reaper drone on a regular highway for the first time.
For more news updates about F-16s and other defense aircraft, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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