Ukraine believes pilots can be trained to fly F-16s in six months

(Patria) - Ukraine believes its pilots will need about half a year to be trained for combat on Western fighter jets, such as the American F-16.

Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yuri Ihnat said that F-16s might be the best option for multi-role fighters that will replace the country's current fleet of warplanes, which are older
than modern Ukraine itself, agencies report. He said that Kyiv uses four types of Soviet-era aircraft.

“Pilots say it’s not a problem to fly the F-16, they could learn it in a few weeks. Fighting
with these planes is a completely different matter, as is using all types of weapons,” he said. “Pilots
say they could master it in about half a year,” Ihnat added.

Ihnat said that in addition to pilots, aviation engineers and other specialists will need training. Ukraine has already begun work in various regions on creating airport infrastructure
for Western aircraft, he said.

The United States has not yet given a clear signal that it is ready to hand over these aircraft
to Ukraine.