The first batch of Ukrainian pilots completed training in the US for combat use of F-16 fighters. This was reported by the newspaper Politico with reference to a representative of the Air Force Base in Arizona, where the training took place.
According to the publication's sources, the pilots are heading to Europe for additional training. Ukraine is to receive more than 60 F-16 fighters from Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway.
At the end of January magazine "Air & Space Forces", citing a Pentagon source, reported that four Ukrainian pilots are being trained in Arizona for combat use of the F-16.
Earlier, US Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs Celeste Wallander said the West expected to transfer the first F-16s and their support equipment to Ukraine this year. Speaking at a briefing after a regular meeting of the contact group set up by the West to coordinate arms supplies to Kiev, she noted that the program to train Ukrainian pilots to fly the F-16 was going according to plan.