Ukrainian pilots to train on F-16s in U.S.

Ukrainian pilots are coming to the United States next month to begin training to fly F-16 aircraft, according to the Pentagon’s chief spokesman.

Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said today that “several” Ukrainian pilots and “dozens” of aircraft maintainers will be arriving at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX, for English language training in September and will then move to Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, AZ, to train on F-16 jets.

Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway have all pledged to donate F-16s to Ukraine.

"The Department of Defense is announcing today that the United States will soon begin training Ukrainians to fly and maintain F-16 fighter aircraft in support of the international effort to develop and strengthen Ukraine's long-term defenses,” Ryder said.