This may, or may not, mean something.Thats really all that can be figured out by this.I wonder how much he actually knows, or if hes just playful trolling. I mean, he probably knows * Something* good is coming upUnrelated to Sakurai, my top prediction for tomorrow is no mention of Metroid Prime 4, then on next Wednesday its announced as a Switch 2 Launch title, thats coming to Switch one as well. A few times now, the biggest Launch title has had a release for the previous platform. With Metroid Prime 4 seeming to be right on the cusp, its easy to imagine theyd give the duel release treatment so that its a little souped up for the Switch 2 version. Actually, with it seeming like the Switch 2 may use the same carts, maybe a single cart that has both versions of the game, that uses the same save file, so progress continues flawlessly whenever you decide to upgrade?But it does sound like the Switch one might have a few surprises left, though it could be the majority of the announcements tomorrow are also announced on next Wednesday too.

In BriefPosted:11:13 PM PDT March 26, 2025Image Credits:Kim Jae-Hwan/SOPA Images/LightRocket / Getty ImagesOpenAI will reportedly close its SoftBank-led $40 billion round soonWhile youre busy Ghibli-fying your images with ChatGPTs new image-generation capabilities, OpenAI is out raising a ton more cash. The company is close to finalizing a new $40 billion funding round led by SoftBank, according to a report from Bloomberg.The report noted that other funds, including the hedge fund Magnetar Capital, Coatue Management, Founders Fund, and Altimeter Capital Management, are also in discussions with OpenAI to participate in the round, with Magnetar potentially putting in $1 billion.Bloomberg said SoftBank will initially put in $7.5 billion, with an additional $2.5 billion coming from an investor syndicate. The report added that a second tranche is expected this year, wherein the Japanese conglomerate will invest another $22.5 billion, and $7.5 billion more will be syndicated.OpenAI last raised a $6.6 billion round led by Thrive Capital in October 2024 at a $157 billion valuation. Bloombergs latest report said the new mega round will take the company to a massive $300 billion valuation. Topics

Based in Youngstown, OH, America Makes, the United States national accelerator for additive manufacturing operated by the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), have announced a new open project call under the Allied Additive Manufacturing Interoperability (AAMI) Program, with $1.1 million in funding from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineerings Manufacturing Technology Office (OSD(R&E)).This initiative aims to establish additive manufacturing (AM) equivalency and interoperability between the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) supply chains. It will specifically focus on laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) for producing critical parts. The project will also identify barriers to allied interoperability and help shape international qualification standards.Strengthening international additive manufacturing standardsAdditive manufacturing, as it relates to modern manufacturing strategies, offers benefits such as on-demand production, shorter lead times, energy efficiency, and the ability to manufacture complex, customized parts. These advantages serve both new defense acquisitions and sustainment of legacy systems.The U.S. and the UK face shared challenges in adopting AM, including process qualification and certification, intellectual property rights, secure data transmission, and supply chain integration. This initiative, in alignment with the UK Advanced Manufacturing Strategy and the U.S. Regional Sustainment Framework (RSF), aims to overcome these hurdles and build a resilient and globally connected Defense Industrial Base adaptable to complex logistical demands. The 2025 Additive Manufacturing Executive Survey, where executives are asked about current industry trends for 3D printing, ranked qualification and certification as the top challenge facing the sector. The survey also highlighted increased focus on defense, aerospace, and international collaboration as drivers of future growth.However, the scalability of AM depends heavily on machine availability and qualification of processes and materials. As such, collaborative, cross-border frameworks are increasingly critical. The AAMI Program builds on recent momentum around distributed manufacturing and aims to tackle one of AMs biggest challenges: qualification for consistent, repeatable performance.The current defense sustainment model relies on legacy materials and processes insufficient for todays complex operational challenges. This project allows participants to propose a structured framework for additive manufacturing supplier qualification, emphasizing performance-based approaches for consistent part production among allied nations, said Ben DiMarco, Technology Transition Director at America MakesThe America Makes building in Youngstown, Ohio. Photo via America Makes.A unified vision for distributed, qualified productionThe U.S. and UK face common challenges in scaling additive manufacturing, including, process qualification and certification, secure data sharing and intellectual property protections and supply chain integration and readiness. The AAMI Program aligns with both the UKs Advanced Manufacturing Strategy and the U.S. Regional Sustainment Framework (RSF). By demonstrating interoperability and alignment in L-PBF processes, the project will support a more resilient and globally connected defense industrial base.By demonstrating AM equivalency and interoperability between the U.S. and U.K., we are advancing qualification methodologies for laser powder bed fusion while accelerating real-world implementation of these capabilities, added DiMarco. This initiative highlights the power of collaboration in overcoming technical, regulatory, and supply chain challenges, ensuring AM delivers tangible benefits to the warfighter and allied defense operations.The AAMI Program is part of a broader wave of investment and collaboration in U.S. additive manufacturing. Earlier this month, America Makes announced $2.1 million in funding across four new project calls designed to tackle key gaps in workforce development, machine qualification, and post-processing.The America Makes Logo.International collaboration, hybrid manufacturing platforms and ecosystems.AM interoperability goals are echoed in ongoing collaborations between leading software providers and manufacturers working to build integrated additive manufacturing ecosystems. One example is the partnership between ADDiTEC, based in the USA, and Bharat Fritz Werner Ltd (BFW), Indias largest CNC manufacturer, which led to the development of a new Hybrid Additive Manufacturing platform that combines additive and subtractive processes. Meanwhile, the universal machine technology interface (umati) initiative, originally developed to standardize connectivity for machine tools, has been expanded to cover the entire mechanical and plant engineering industry, including additive manufacturing. Spearheaded by the German Machine Tool Builders Association (VDW) in collaboration with the German Engineering Federation (VDMA), umati is based on the OPC UA framework and aims to create a universal communication interface that enables seamless integration between machines, systems, and software.One of the main topics during last years Additive Manufacturing Advantage: Aerospace, Space & Defense (AMAA) conference was the expansion of additive manufacturing in the defense and aerospace sectors, with a focus on qualified part production, digital inventory sharing, and the sustainment of legacy systems. Paul Bates (ASTM International) called for a streamlined qualification process and better-aligned standards to accelerate AM adoption in these sectors. Solutions focused on collaboration and standardization were proposed in response to geopolitical tensions, which are increasingly affecting AM material lead times. For example, the U.S. Navy deployed advanced 3D printing systems to address supply chain challenges implementing the XSPEE3D cold spray 3D printer from Australian manufacturer SPEE3D and Snowbird Technologies SAMM Tech hybrid DED manufacturing system to enable rapid production of essential metal components.Also discussed was the emergence of cross-border military collaborations aimed at enabling distributed manufacturing at scale, backed by new funding streams and research into secure, certifiable workflows.Regulatory hurdles, such as outdated aviation specifications and rising compliance costs, were likewise cited as barriers requiring coordinated action across industry and government.Who won the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows America Makes Logo. Image via America Makes.

Only 13% of employees report being fully satisfied with their experience at work, yet many companies ... More continue to make critical EX mistakes that drive talent away.Adobe StockToday, businesses understand the importance of delivering outstanding customer experience (CX) as a strategic priority. Employee experience (EX) is, however, just as vital but often still overlooked!This is a big mistake. A recent Gartner survey found that only 13% of employees are fully satisfied with their EX. Other research shows that 70% of employees think EX directly impacts their productivity, and organizations with good EX have a 41% lower turnover rate.With breakthrough technologies like AI shaking up the jobs and skills markets, offering an experience tailored to attract vital talent is a priority for every business. However, in my everyday work with companies of all shapes and sizes, I still see avoidable mistakes being made!Many of these come down to not treating EX as a strategic priority. So here are 10 common pitfalls companies will fall into in the next 12 months and some tips to make sure you dont follow them.Lagging In HR AI And AutomationThere are lots of great ways companies can use AI within HR to drive improvements in EX. Did you know, for example, that 54% of respondents to one survey said they had given up on applying for a job they wanted due to poor communication from the employer?Other opportunities include providing personalized onboarding, reducing administrative work by automating repetitive tasks, engagement tracking and improving many aspects of performance management.Its not easy for busy HR departments to keep up with all these changes, but when they dont, they can end up stuck with inefficient, outdated manual processes that create stress and frustration for employees.AI and automation tools can help HR departments improve access to information or create personalized career development pathways. It also lets them leverage analytics that more accurately predict engagement and retention so they can take proactive rather than reactive measures to influence them.Lagging, on the other hand, risks creating under-developed, over-worked and disengaged workforces. Investigating opportunities for HR automation that will directly impact EX should be a priority for all businesses this year.Over-Automating Employee ExperienceOn the other hand, AI still presents a huge number of challenges, particularly when its mixed with humans! And while many companies will make the error of under-investing, just as many will, unfortunately, end up using it in ways that are potentially damaging.While HR chatbots, automated feedback tools and self-service portals can improve EX, they can backfire if they deprive employees of access to meaningful communications with people who can actually solve problems for them. This is doubly true when dealing with sensitive issues like health, career development and performance issues.The message here? If you are going to use AI to drive EX, make sure you get it right! This means striking a balance between automation and human interaction.Failing To Offer Personal Development OpportunitiesThis is critical for both retaining existing employees and attracting new talent. Technology is quickly reshaping industries, but workforces need trained and skilled employees to take advantage of this. Offering career progression planning, upskilling and retraining aimed at empowering them to use technology helps people feel they are investing in their own futures by sticking with a business. On top of this, Research indicates that companies prioritizing EX see a 70% increase in the quality of their hires.Today, people are worried that their jobs may become redundant due to AI or that they wont have the skills to keep up with the waves of digital transformation. Even so, many companies are failing to offer structured support and development opportunities. Without these in place, top talent will look elsewhere. Investing in career development will greatly improve EX and reduce turnover.Failing To Measure EX ROIInvesting in EX initiatives without a clear plan or milestones in place for measuring success risks wasting money without delivering tangible benefits.It also leads to companies missing opportunities to repurpose or fine-tune initiatives that could improve workplace culture, productivity or retention. Key signals could be missed, impacting productivity or increasing staff turnover and the associated high cost of replacing them.On the other hand, tracking and demonstrating ROI makes it easier to build a business case for further EX initiatives. It gives business leaders the confidence that EX decision-making is based on hard data and tangible results.To get started, every business should define what they want to achieve by improving EX and identifying the metrics that will measure their progress. Gather data that enables you to link EX improvement to better business outcomes. Approaching EX as a business metric rather than an abstract concept lets you create workforces and cultures that drive long-term growth and success.Neglecting Employee Mental Health And WellnessWorkplace stress and burnout are at an all-time high. In fact, the World Health Organization reports that the US economy loses $1 trillion every year thanks to lost productivity caused by depression and anxiety.Despite growing awareness of this, its still far too common for me to see and hear about mental health and wellness issues being treated as problems for individuals to solve rather than EX priorities for business.Failing to give employees a safe, secure, supportive and healthy working environment means higher levels of absenteeism, lower productivity and reduced morale. Addressing these issues proactively with health and wellness policies, promoting healthy work-life balance, putting flexible working arrangements in place, and providing access to mental healthcare, such as counseling or stress management when needed, will have significantly positive impacts on EX.Final ThoughtsEmployees are a companys most important resource, and neglecting EX in 2025 means they will quickly start looking elsewhere. This can be a disaster when business success is more dependent than ever on attracting and retaining the right people!Above all, the message I want to get across is that every business should take a strategic approach to EX, taking care to understand how success or failure will impact goals and overall performance. Invest in staff through training, professional development and wellbeing initiatives, and they will pay you back with loyalty, growth and business success!

The Metal Build God Gundam goes on pre-order today in Japan.Bandai SpiritsThe upcoming Metal Build God Gundam has finally been given a release window and a pretty steep price tag, but it still looks astonishing.Its taken a good while for this toy to shake out from its previews a good while ago, but were finally getting a proper Metal Build God Gundam toy this August.The God Gundam is the final iteration of Domon Kasshus ride of choice in Mobile Fighter G Gundam, replacing the previous Shining Gundam.In the US release, its often called the Burning Gundam, with the Devil Gundam also being changed to the Dark Gundam. This was apparently because there was an incident where employees at Walmart went through every box of a shipment of Gundam Wing toys and removed and returned all instances of the Gundam Deathscythe Hell, so the names were changed in G Gundam to avoid similar issues.In any case, we havent had a really good God Gundam toy in a really long time, and this Metal Build version looks to be one of the best yet.As with other Metal Build releases, the styling is overly athleticized, which makes sense considering the host anime it comes from.This Metal Build God Gundam release is certainly comprehensive.Bandai SpiritsPlay Puzzles & Games on ForbesNormally, I prefer mecha toys to be treated as per the anime they originate from, especially when they are designed by people such as Kunio Okawara. However, this stylized version is most certainly in keeping with the spirit of G Gundam, so it does feel right, at least.The only downside is that this is both an expensive toy, coming in at 44,000 yen (or around $293 at the current exchange rate) and also a Premium Bandai release.Pre-orders start today in Japan, and its not clear whether this Metal Build toy will come Westward, although Im hopeful we will see it released outside of Japan at some point.After all, G Gundam was a popular anime when it came Westward in the early noughties, and its later release on Blu-ray, which I also reviewed, was received well. Its also still available to stream via Crunchyroll, so its definitely an available and relevant anime (with a nice high user score, too).The only thing here that does puzzle me is that the Metal Build Zeta Gundam costs the same, but this Metal Build God Gundam doesnt transform. Yes, it has other gimmicks (shown above), but the engineering is arguably less complex, and yet it still has a similar price point.In any case, Im glad that the Metal Build God Gundam is finally happening. I just hope Western fans get the chance to pick one up in the near future.Follow me on X, Facebook and YouTube. I also manage Mecha Damashii and am currently featured in the Giant Robots exhibition currently touring Japan.

Something to look forward to: Valve's SteamOS is expected to become available for third-party devices in the coming weeks, potentially challenging Windows in the PC gaming sector. An early benchmark of the Steam Deck's operating system recently produced intriguing results on the Asus ROG Ally, though many questions remain. A recent video from YouTuber The Phawx shows SteamOS running on an Asus ROG Ally. Although the unofficial installation isn't flawless, early benchmarks suggest that the upcoming general release could run smoothly on various handheld gaming PCs.Launching in May, the Lenovo Legion Go S will be the first device besides the Steam Deck to officially support SteamOS. The operating system enables playing PC games through a controller-friendly user interface. Valve plans to open a beta for other devices before the May launch, but 'The Phawx' went ahead with early testing on the Asus ROG Ally one of the Steam Deck's most popular competitors.Although SteamOS patch notes have previously mentioned the ROG Ally, this installation of version 3.8 doesn't fully recognize the device. Interestingly, it supports the ROG Ally's VRR and high-refresh-rate capabilities, but some buttons don't work, and performance is limited to 15W.Benchmarks for games like Batman: Arkham Knight, Half-Life 2, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Returnal, and Cyberpunk 2077 showed the original LCD Steam Deck and the ROG Ally trading blows at roughly the same wattage. The official SteamOS release and potential optimizations for the ROG Ally will likely improve performance by unlocking more of the device's power and efficiency.Oddly, 'The Phawx' didn't benchmark SteamOS on the ROG Ally against its default Windows installation. While SteamOS's controller-friendly UI is one of its key advantages over Windows (which can feel cramped on smaller screens), many users are waiting to see whether SteamOS also offers better performance and efficiency.The Windows 11 version of the Legion Go S is already available starting at $729, but customers will be able to choose between a $599 Windows configuration and a $499 SteamOS edition in May. Though it's currently the only licensed third-party SteamOS device, comments in Valve's code and patch notes suggest the company's general release beta is just around the corner.Once released, SteamOS will likely be tested on numerous handheld PCs and possibly even desktops allowing for more direct comparisons against Windows. Microsoft has hinted at a response, suggesting it may "combine" elements of Xbox and Windows for future handhelds, but the company's plans remain vague. // Related Stories

Samsungs One UI 7, currently limited to devices launched in 2025, will reach more devices very soon. The update Android 15-based update will start rolling out to older devices in April, starting with the Galaxy S24 series on April 10. While the initial set of phones and tablets eligible for the One UI 7 update only includes flagships, affordable phones wont be far behind.As Samsung prioritizes on making stable One UI 7 available on its flagship Galaxy S, Z Fold, Z Flip, and Tab S lineups, it is also likely to begin testing the update on a non-flagship phone from last year. Dedicated pages in the One UI 7 beta forums have recently gone live for Galaxy A55, indicating it might be the first in line when Samsung broadens its release.Recommended VideosGreat news for Galaxy A55 users! The One UI 7 beta community page is now live in the Indiasomething exciting is on the horizon! pic.twitter.com/o0hOOVGur0 Tarun Vats (@tarunvats33) March 27, 2025Please enable Javascript to view this contentTipster Tarun Vats, who spotted the new forums, also suggested One UI 7 beta for Galaxy A55 will likely be limited to India and South Korea. The forums do not indicate the exact date of the updates release, though we expect it shouldnt take many days to go live.When Samsung kicks off the One UI 7 beta program for Galaxy A55, those who own the phone will be able to apply to test the update within the Samsung Member app.The availability of a beta is a good sign that the stable One UI update for Galaxy A55 and hopefully other A series devices should not take long. After months of delaying the update, and testing several rounds of beta with the Galaxy S24 series, Samsung now appears to have ironed out the issues and is readying a release next month.Besides the Galaxy S24, One UI beta is available for Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, and Galaxy S23, all of which are scheduled to receive a stable update in April. If Samsung follows a similar pace with the Galaxy A55, we could expect the phone to get a stable release in May.Editors Recommendations

New Zealand-based Rocket Lab has launched its third satellite-deployment mission in two weeks, marking a new record for the up-and-coming SpaceX rival.The Finding Hot Wildfires Near You mission lifted off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, Pad B, in Mahia, New Zealand, on Wednesday local time.Recommended VideosYou can watch the rocket lift off in the video below:Please enable Javascript to view this contentNice liftoff in the dark today! pic.twitter.com/rIaMaQPWYR Peter Beck (@Peter_J_Beck) March 27, 2025Using its workhorse Electron rocket, the mission deployed eight satellites to a low-Earth orbit for Germany-based global wildfire and detection company OroraTech.The mission marks a major expansion of OroraTechs constellation, improving its global capabilities and connectivity with a network of advanced thermal sensors. The technology offers continuous real-time monitoring of wildfires and hotspots, enabling emergency services to respond more rapidly.Rocket Lab founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck said this latest mission offered precise deployment for optimal global wildfire monitoring, adding that he was proud of the teams consistent performance as we aim for another record-breaking year in launch with Electron.This was Rocket Labs fifth launch of the year, and its 63rd launch overall, bringing the total count of satellites deployed by Electron to 224.The Finding Hot Wildfires Near You mission is the third Electron launch within two weeks from Launch Complex 1, putting Rocket Lab on a path to reach its target of 20 launches for this year.While SpaceX continues to dominate the satellite-launch market with its go-to Falcon 9 rocket, Rocket Lab is steadily building its business as it seeks to capture more of the sector.As part of its expansion plans, the company launched its first mission from U.S. soil in 2023. It will also use its Virginia launch site for the maiden flight of its considerably more powerful Neutron rocket, which is expected to take place later this year.Similar to how SpaceX brings home the Falcon 9s first stage so that it can be flown multiple times, Rocket Lab is also building a sea-based landing platform for the Neutron.Beck has previously said that he sees the Neutron rocket as the last piece of the puzzle in creating a comprehensive space enterprise.Editors Recommendations

Tesla announced its launch in Saudi Arabia. Newsday LLC/Getty Images 2025-03-27T06:19:40Z SaveSaved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? Tesla says it'll be entering the Saudi market in April.The company said its launch event in Riyadh will "showcase what's next in AI and robotics."This comes at a crucial time Tesla is reeling from declining sales and a falling stock price.Elon Musk's Tesla has been admitted into the gulf's largest economy, Saudi Arabia, at a crucial time for the electric vehicle producer.On Wednesday, Tesla announced it will be holding a launch event in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, on April 10."You and your family are warmly invited to our launch event at the Bujairi Terrace on April 10," the announcement on Tesla's website read."Experience the future of autonomous driving with Cybercab, and meet Optimus, our humanoid robot, as we showcase what's next in AI and robotics," it added.The announcement said a Tesla team will be on hand to answer questions regarding Tesla ownership, home charging, and more.Tesla's entry into Saudi Arabia is a surprise, considering Musk's testy relationship with the country.Back in August 2018, Musk announced in an X post that he would be taking Tesla private."Am considering taking Tesla private at $420. Funding secured," Musk wrote.Musk explained in a company blog that he had met with representatives from Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund. The meetings started in early 2017 after he expressed interest in taking Tesla private, Musk added."Obviously, the Saudi sovereign fund has more than enough capital needed to execute on such a transaction," Musk wrote.But the deal did not take place. Musk and Tesla were sued by Tesla investors, who said Musk's premature announcement caused them to lose money.Saudi Arabia opening its doors to Tesla comes at a critical time for the EV maker, which has seen its stock price plunge by over 40% from its record highs in mid-December.Tesla's shares closed at about $272 on Wednesday, down from a peak closing price of $479 in December.The company has also lost its spot as the world's top EV manufacturer, with Chinese EV giant BYD's revenue outpacing Tesla's in 2024. BYD recently unveiled chargers that it says are four times more powerful than Tesla's and can charge an EV in 5 minutes.On Tuesday, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association said Tesla's sales in Europe have fallen by 42% in the first two months of the year.Representatives for Tesla did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

A Ukrainian Air Force F-16 fighter jet flies in an undisclosed location in Ukraine on August 4. AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky 2025-03-27T06:07:50Z SaveSaved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? Russia's troops tend to retreat when encountering NATO fighters, a Ukrainian F-16 pilot said.He said Ukraine tends to deploy its F-16s and Mirages for cover missions or in precise strikes.His comments were part of the first video interview Ukraine has published with an F-16 pilot.A Ukrainian F-16 pilot said Moscow's forces appear to particularly shy away from Western aircraft because they know how deadly the jets can be.Ukraine's air force released his comments on Wednesday as part of its first-ever video interview with an F-16 pilot. His face was obscured, and the air force said it withheld the pilot's name and call sign for security purposes."With the arrival of Western equipment, the situation with carrying out fighter cover missions has improved," said the pilot in Ukrainian. "We now have different weaponry, more high-quality weaponry. The Russians understand that as well."He said Ukraine has been deploying its American F-16 Fighting Falcons and French Mirage 2000-5s in more close-range encounters."From their actions, we can see that they are starting to retreat. They are afraid to approach us," he added. "After all, there is a living person sitting there, too, who also does not want to die."The pilot said Ukraine has been using its F-16s for tactical strikes like "a scalpel," while its Soviet MiG-29s, Su-24s, and Su-27s are assigned more widely to suppress and destroy targets like "hammers and sledgehammers."Ukraine's Soviet aircraft are often sent to bomb Russian targets at close range, which the pilot said means his comrades have to fly "dangerously close to the front line."So Ukraine sends it F-16s and Mirages to provide cover for their Soviet counterparts, he said.That style of attack has materially changed how Moscow's troops react, the pilot added."They know roughly the technical characteristics of our weaponry. They know where to advance, where to retreat," he said, adding that Ukraine has been trying to exploit those gaps.The pilot also said the F-16 and Mirage offer Ukraine the ability to conduct "very, very precise" strikes."At the moment, we can only strike at tactical depth," he said of Ukrainian pilots assigned to NATO fighters. "But these attacks are extremely precise.""If we want, our bomb can fly straight through someone's window," he added.The Russian Defense Ministry did not respond to a comment request sent by Business Insider.Please help BI improve our Business, Tech, and Innovation coverage by sharing a bit about your role it will help us tailor content that matters most to people like you. What is your job title? (1 of 2) Entry level positionProject managerManagementSenior managementExecutive managementStudentSelf-employedRetiredOther What products or services can you approve for purchase in your role? (2 of 2) Advertising / MarketingClient / Account ManagementCompany strategyHR / Training / Office supportManaging budgetsIT / Telecoms / TechRecruiting new employeesSalesSoftware developmentFinancialOtherNone of the above By providing this information, you agree that Business Insider may use this data to improve your site experience and for targeted advertising. By continuing you agree that you accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Thanks for sharing insights about your role. The F-16's edge over Ukraine's Soviet aircraftThe F-16 is an older design by Western standards with more than 50 years of service but is still valued by Ukraine for its ability to carry and launch a wide array of NATO precision-guided munitions against both air and land targets.These include the Joint Direct Attack Munition - Extended Range, which has a reported range of 50 miles, and the AIM-120, a medium-range air-launched missile that takes out other aviation targets. Ukraine has both weapons.This capability means that the F-16 can be a versatile tool for fighting other aircraft, conducting ground strikes, or suppressing Russian air defenses.Some of its Soviet aircraft, like the MiG-29, are also multirole fighters, but the F-16 has better radar systems, electronic jammers, and range. In January, Ukraine said one of its pilots destroyed a record of six Russian missiles in a single sortie.Meanwhile, Dassault's Mirage is another combat-proven aircraft being sent to Ukraine, though it's generally limited to firing French munitions. For example, it can launch the long-range Storm Shadow cruise missile but has to stick with the shorter-range MICA air-to-air missile when dealing with aerial targets.Kyiv has been receiving F-16s from European allies since the summer of 2024 and got its first tranche of Mirages from France in February.Ukraine has been tight-lipped about the number of jets it's received. Countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark have pledged to deliver over 100 F-16s to Ukraine, but the entire process can take months to years.Still, Ukraine has to be careful with its valuable Western jets. Russia's surface-to-air missile defenses, such as the S-400, are formidable, and Ukrainian pilots have been known to limit flying altitude or range to lower exposure to them.Kyiv has already lost one F-16 when a top pilot crashed in August while fighting cruise missiles and drones near the capital.Earlier this month, several pro-Kremlin Telegram channels said that another F-16 was shot down in the Sumy region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the report when speaking to journalists on March 19."The Russians are lying that they shot down something there, they didn't shoot down anything," he said.Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine needs 128 F-16s to fight effectively against Russia.Recently, Ukraine's F-16 program was thrown into question when President Donald Trump paused military aid to Kyiv in early March. The aid was eventually resumed when Ukraine agreed to US-brokered terms for a cease-fire.