crackhousebob t1_j6m5h3k wrote on January 31, 2023 at 8:30 AM

It takes years to train combat pilots and the ground crews to operate an F-16 squadron. Then Ukraine has to be able to handle the logistics of fuel, armament, and maintenance all while actively at war.

By the time the Ukrainian air force is up to speed, the war will likely be over.

jlaw54 t1_j6opgsg wrote on January 31, 2023 at 8:42 PM

The training and logistics issues keep getting thrown around, except they keep getting overcome again and again. Patriot batteries are massively complex and they are moving ahead just fine.

NATO and the US aren’t just providing weapons systems, they have also focused on training how to use them and also how to re-supply and maintain them. Creating a modern, efficient logistics infrastructure is a MASSIVE focus in Ukraine by the US and western powers. And it’s working.

People consistently underestimate the adaptability of human beings. People also consistently underestimate what is possible during war. The impossible has been done time and time again in the history of humankind when it comes to war. And the covert action supporting logistical and other efforts inside Ukraine should not be discounted. They have advisors helping them each and every step of the way.

geriatric-sanatore t1_j6oxtj8 wrote on January 31, 2023 at 9:33 PM

Patriot missile operators take 13 weeks to train from this is what they look like too certified to go to war and use them. F16 pilot takes 18 months and that's not including time spent in classroom and sere training and land and water survival training and officer training which wouldn't be relevant to already certified pilots. To go from joined Air Force too piloting an F16 takes about 2 years or more depending on training availability.

[deleted] t1_j6pbpzo wrote on January 31, 2023 at 11:03 PM

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crackhousebob t1_j6oxzc8 wrote on January 31, 2023 at 9:34 PM

It can be done for sure but it will take far longer than Ukraine has time for. Russia is attacking now. Ukraine is stil rife with corruption. A government minister already was caught overspending aid money on food supplies and taking a kick-back. 4th generation fighter jets are vastly more complicated than tanks, howitzers, and missle systems and corrupt officials and criminal groups need a bribe for anything to happen.