Austin hopes F-16 fight jet training for Ukrainian pilots will begin in coming weeks

By LOLITA C. BALDOR and TARA COPP
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says he hopes that training for Ukrainian pilots on American-made F-16 fighter jets will begin in the coming weeks. That’ll bolster Ukraine in the long run but not necessarily as part of an anticipated spring counteroffensive against Russia. Austin made his comments Thursday as defense leaders from around the world assembled for a virtual meeting to discuss the ongoing military support for Ukraine. They’re expected talk about which countries will provide F-16s, and how and where the pilot training will be done. The officials will also get an update on the war effort from Ukrainian leaders.