U.S. Will Train Ukrainian F-16 Pilots, Ground Crews, DoD Holds Press Briefing

DoD: The U.S.-led training is "in support of the international effort to develop and strengthen Ukraine's long-term defenses".

The Defense Department will begin training Ukrainians to fly and maintain F-16 fighter jets in the coming months, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said today.

The training is expected to begin in October at the Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona, and will be facilitated by the Air National Guard's 162nd Wing.  

The U.S.-led training is "in support of the international effort to develop and strengthen Ukraine's long-term defenses," Ryder said.  

The Netherlands and Denmark have announced their intentions to make F-16 aircraft from their fleets available to Ukraine.  

Secretary of State Antony Blinken signaled the United States' willingness to approve the third-party transfer of the U.S.-made F-16s to Ukraine in a letter to his European counterparts last week.  

Training To Be Provided By US, To Compliment F-16 Pilot Training Currently Underway, DoD Press Briefing: