The United States has already begun training Ukrainian pilots to operate F-16 fighter jets, the Pentagon reports.

"The Ministry of Defense is already involved in training of ready Ukrainian pilots to fly the F-16. At the same time, the issue of providing Ukraine with spare parts for these aircraft is being resolved," the statement said.

The department also noted that the Ukrainian military is undergoing training on F-16s both in the United States and in Europe.

The Pentagon recalled that earlier this year, the US State Department announced its readiness to approve the transfer of US-made F-16 aircraft to Ukraine by a third party. The Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway have announced their intention to deliver the aircraft by withdrawing them from their own air forces.

"To ensure that Ukrainian pilots are successful in operating the F-16, they are trained in the United States and Europe in both flight operations and maintenance," the US Defense Department said.

According to Bill LaPlante, the US Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, without spare parts, the F-16 fighters flying in Ukraine could be decommissioned in a few months. Therefore, the US plans to create a 90-day supply of spare parts for the aircraft.

"We will not allow this to happen. And if other countries do not provide spare parts, we will find and provide them," LaPlante said.