The United States has formally approved the transfer of F-16 fighter jets from Denmark and the Netherlands to Ukraine once its pilots complete training.

A US State Department spokesperson told NHK on Thursday that Washington has given formal assurances so that Ukraine can soon use the aircraft against Russia.

Reuters news agency says Denmark and the Netherlands had recently asked for the assurances.
The two countries are leading a coalition to train Ukrainian pilots across Europe.

The State Department spokesperson said the F-16s will contribute to Ukraine's defense and deterrence capabilities.

However, flight training is said to be facing delays, partly due to the need for the Ukrainian pilots to learn the English terms necessary for flying the US-built aircraft.

A Ukrainian air force spokesperson has acknowledged that Kyiv will not be able to operate the F-16s this autumn and winter for its counteroffensive against the Russian forces.