WASHINGTON

The Pentagon said Thursday that F-16 flight training is expected to begin for Ukrainian pilots in October in the US state of Arizona.

It will begin after English language training in September, spokesman Pat Ryder told reporters.

The training will take place at the Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson.

"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," he added.