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In an extraordinary display of adaptability and skill, Ukrainian pilots have shattered Pentagon expectations by mastering the American-made F-16 fighter jets in a record timeframe of just four months, according to an internal US Air Force assessment.
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This rapid proficiency stands in stark contrast to the previously estimated 18 months of training time cited by Pentagon officials earlier this year.
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The document detailing the accelerated learning curve was obtained by Yahoo News and outlines how two Ukrainian pilots underwent F-16 training at Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona.
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Over eleven and a half total hours in nine separate simulations, the Ukrainian airmen demonstrated a remarkable ability to absorb complex flight operations and combat maneuvers.
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This performance significantly exceeds US expectations and may influence political pressure on the Biden Administration to supply Ukraine with these versatile aircraft.
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The Ukrainian pilots, with prior qualifications to fly Soviet-era MiG-29 and Su-27 jets, received no official training on the F-16 simulator beyond a brief aircraft introduction.
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Nonetheless, they successfully performed “relatively technical” tasks, including single-engine landings and defensive procedures against simulated attacks.
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An Air Force official confirmed the authenticity of the Air Force Baseline Pilot Assessment Report, which serves to gauge baseline pilot capabilities.
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The internal document has also been shared with several NATO allies, which could carry implications for how the alliance addresses Ukraine’s air defense needs.
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The revelation of Ukrainian pilots’ quick mastery comes at a time when Ukraine has persistently lobbied for the supply of F-16s, arguing their necessity to counter Russian fighter aircraft bombing campaigns.
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The report’s suggestion that a four-month training timeline is “realistic” may sway political decisions about bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
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Ukrainian forces have been contending with Russian advances in various regions, including the Kharkiv front, where the capture of certain settlements could bring Russian artillery within range of Kharkiv city.
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Russia also launched an Iskander-K cruise missile towards the Kharkiv region and an anti-aircraft guided missile, the air force said on the Telegram messaging app. It did not say what happened to the missiles.
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The political landscape is fluid, with European leaders urging the US to decide on the F-16s issue.
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The Biden administration, while not committing to sending the jets directly, suggested it would not prevent other NATO allies from doing so, according to CNN.
Relevant articles:
– Kyiv is demanding F-16s and 2 Ukrainian pilots just proved they can master the jet 4 times faster than the Pentagon … , Yahoo News UK, 06/03/2024
– Air Force Pilot Who Had Been Ordered to Prevent 9/11 Hijacked Plane from Reaching Washington, D.C., Retires, Yahoo News UK, 06/02/2024
– Russia opens a new front: Mapping three key battles in the Ukrainian war, Yahoo News Canada, 06/02/2024
– Colleges, singed by Israel debate, back away from hot-button issues, Yahoo Singapore News, 06/03/2024