In recent developments on military cooperation between the United States and Ukraine, two Ukrainian pilots began training in combat aircraft within the United States, including exposure to F-16 fighter jets. Anadolu Agency reported this, citing a senior US military official.
The two pilots are currently at a meet-up in Tucson, Arizona, described by the official as part of the ongoing US-Ukraine military dialogue. The event underscores a shared effort to strengthen Ukrainian air capability in a way that aligns with broader Western security cooperation.
According to the official, the training program is designed to enhance the readiness of Ukrainian pilots by improving their efficiency and expanding their operational capabilities. The emphasis is on skill development that can translate into more effective battlefield support and rapid adaptation to Western aircraft and tactics.
During the visit, the Ukrainian pilots will participate in simulator-based training rather than flight operations. This approach mirrors other international efforts under the US European Command program, where pilots train extensively on high-fidelity simulators before transitioning to live flight training with foreign partners.
The military noted that there are no current plans to increase the number of trained Ukrainian pilots. However, officials stressed that the door remains open to future opportunities as circumstances permit, reflecting a cautious but engaged stance on ongoing collaboration.
Additionally, officials indicated there is no definite information yet on whether the United States will supply F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine as part of these efforts. The question remains a matter of assessment and policy alignment with partners and allied nations.
Earlier in March, reports confirmed that two Ukrainian pilots had died in separate incidents on their way to the United States. The visits were intended to allow US military assessors to gauge training potential in operating Western attack aircraft, including F-16s, and to study how such training could integrate with ongoing defense assistance to Ukraine. The dates and circumstances surrounding those events were subject to preliminary reviews by the involved authorities, with the aim of ensuring safety and effectiveness in all training activities. It remains a developing situation with multiple inquiries ongoing to clarify the full scope and implications of the training program.