Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov does not agree that our pilots need six months to train on the F-16. He says that ours will fly in four.
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He recalled that the Ukrainian crews mastered the Caesar systems in three weeks, although the standard is at least three months. Ukrainians mastered the Patriot systems in 10 weeks, although the standard crew training time is ten months.
However, the training of engineers, technicians, maintenance, gunsmiths, tankers, etc. will last longer. As well as the arrangement of infrastructure. Reznikov stressed that Ukraine will be able to receive aircraft no earlier than the new year 2024. Airfields for these aircraft will be inside Ukraine.
The Minister of Defense spoke about this in an interview with Current Time.
Everyone is publicly discussing how long it takes Ukrainian pilots to master the F-16. It sounds like a well-known period: after testing two pilots in the United States, it is believed that up to six months will be enough. I am optimistic that our experienced pilots with their desire and aspiration will surely fly faster. I mean not just flying away, but freely: with maneuver, at night, in pairs. I think in four months it’s realistic. I think so, because we know how to surprise.
We really are, we know how to learn. Ukrainian crews mastered the Caesar systems in three weeks, although the standard is at least three months: The French, the Poles were delighted! Because they didn’t just take and complete the course, they actually completed all the tasks that are set for the crew, which is studying for three months.
Ukrainians mastered the Patriot air defense systems in 10 weeks, although the standard crew training time is 10 months. Therefore, I am sure that the Ukrainian pilots will fly away faster than in six months,” Reznikov said.
Until July, Ukraine’s partners plan to approve a training program for Ukrainian pilots, engineers and technicians on F-16 fighters, the exercises themselves will be held in a specially created center in one of the European countries. Reznikov said this after Ramstein and the meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Commission.
Summing up the results of the negotiations that took place at NATO headquarters, the Minister of Defense stated that “the bird coalition has taken place.”
Source: Racurs
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.