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- Ukraine's pilots are now learning to fly Western F-16 fighter jets.
- Ukraine has sought F-16s since the early days of Russia's invasion.
- Ukraine's Soviet-era MiG-31 and Su-27 are outmatched by newer Russian jets.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has long said the country's long-term security hinges on its ability to compete with Russian air power.
So, for Ukraine's allies, it was welcome news that Ukraine's pilots are finally flying F-16 fighter jets.