WASHINGTON—Two Ukrainian pilots are being assessed in the U.S. on how they operate jet fighters to prepare for a potential broader training effort, defense officials said. U.S. officials didn’t say whether the Ukrainian pilots will be assessed using F-16 compatible simulators. It is the first time Ukrainian pilots have been assessed in the U.S., and defense officials said another 10 pilots could join the evaluation later this spring. Ukrainian pilots operate Soviet-era jet fighters and part of the assessment could include determining how to best train them to shift to American aircraft, one defense official said. Others stressed the move wasn’t intended to influence or signal any potential decision on providing jet fighters to Ukraine.

Source: Wall Street Journal March 06, 2023 04:34 UTC