Ukrainian pilots are expected to begin training to fly the F-16 fighter jets in the United States next week.

This is reported by POLITICO with reference to four officials.

The Ukrainians will go to the Air National Guard base in Tucson, Arizona.

According to one of the officials, a small number of pilots have passed their first test for English proficiency and are headed to Morris Air National Guard Base in Arizona (162nd Wing).

The pilots will first learn the basics of operating the F-16 in the classroom and on simulators before moving on to flying the actual jets.

The training program may be accelerated, as Ukraine needs to strengthen its air defense and expand the strike capabilities of its tactical aviation as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, U.S. Air Force spokesperson Rose Riley told POLITICO that the Ukrainian pilots have been participating in an English language program at the Defense Language Institute English Language Center at Lackland.

“Testing will determine their next courses and when the pilots would be able to commence F-16 training. Training location options are still being considered at this time,” Riley said.

The information about the start of training for Ukrainian pilots on F-16s emerged following the U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s statement at a meeting of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine in the Ramstein format. On October 11, the U.S. Secretary of Defense announced that the United States would lead a coalition to build up the Ukrainian Air Force.

The “coalition” currently includes 11 countries. Denmark, the Netherlands, and Belgium have announced that they will provide their aircraft to Ukraine. A group of Ukrainian pilots have also started training in Europe.