Ukrainian pilots might master F-16s in two months – veteran Hetman

He said this on Espreso TV. 

When asked when the promised aircraft would appear in the Ukrainian sky, the expert replied: “I think it should happen by August 24.”

“They say that our pilots can master this aircraft very well, because they are skilled professionals. Our guys have been fighting, let's say, on not very comfortable warplanes and have achieved certain advantages. So we know how to fly,” said Hetman.

The Ukrainian National Guard reserve major emphasized that Ukrainian pilots need to master the dashboard of the F-16 fighter jet.

“The piloting skills of our guys are at the highest level. The only thing left to do is to master what is in this aircraft and how to use it as efficiently as possible. I don't think it will take a long time,” the veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war said. 

The hetman recalled that when discussing the timeframe for Ukrainians to master flying, the figure of 19 months was voiced. The serviceman believes that this applies only to those who do not know how to fly at all, and not to professionals: “They said 4 months, but I have the impression that it will be half that.”

“Back in 2012, we had these warplanes arrive and conduct training, and our pilots have already flown them. Of course, in order for this squadron to become a combat unit, we need to fly in pairs, fours, to practice joint actions. This is what training is for,” added the major.

• On May 21, US President Joe Biden approved training for Ukrainians on F-16 fighter jets.

• Yuriy Ihnat, spokesman for the Air Force Command, said that it takes a week to learn to fly an F-16. The main thing is to learn how to fight on it.

• The next meeting in the Ramstein format on May 25 will focus on strengthening Ukraine's air defense, providing munitions, and delivering F-16 fighters.