By KYIV. March 6 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Two Ukrainian pilots are currently being tested in the United States in flight simulators to determine the time it will take them to train how to fly F-16 fighter jets, CNN said, citing its own sources.
According to journalists, the check is being carried out at the U.S. air base in Tucson, Arizona, as part of a “familiarization event.”
According to one U.S. military official, “this event allows us to better help Ukrainian pilots become more effective pilots and better advise them on how to develop their own capabilities.”
At the same time, the official said now “there are no updates to provide regarding F-16s to Ukraine” and there are no immediate plans to increase the number of Ukrainian pilots in the United States.
“While there is no indication at this time that flight training is underway, the step suggests the US has not completely closed the door on providing F-16s,” the journalists said.
At the same time, NBC News said others may join the two already mentioned Ukrainian pilots in the near future.
“U.S. authorities have approved bringing up to 10 more Ukrainian pilots to the U.S. for further assessment as early as this month,” the officials said.
At the same time, the sources of the publication said this is “not a training program and said that the Ukrainians would not be flying any aircraft during their time here.”
