In the near future, Ukrainian pilots will change simulators for real F-16 fighter jets. However, they will be accompanied by instructors, Yuriy Ihnat, a spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force Command, has told the national news telethon.
According to him, the Ukrainian pilots have done their homework and are now at the stage of moving over to real F-16s.
"We expect that the first group of pilots who are currently training on simulators, flight simulators that fully copy the cockpit, will be transferred to a real combat trainer F-16 with an instructor. This should happen in the near future," Ihnat said.
Earlier, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said that F-16 fighters could appear in Ukraine as early as at the beginning of next year.