Ukrainian pilots are expected to begin training on F-16 fighter jets at an air base in Tuscon, Arizona, within the next week, Politico reported, citing four US officials.

A small number of pilots who passed their first English language tests after training in Texas are headed to Morris Air National Guard Base in Arizona to learn to fly the planes, one official said.

It is reported that the Ukrainian crews will first learn the basics of controlling the F-16 in classrooms and simulators, and then move on to real control of the aircraft, the Kyiv Independent cites.

While it’s standard procedure for any Air Force pilot training, classes for Ukrainian pilots may be accelerated so they can return to the battlefield as soon as possible, one of the sources told Politico.

On October 11, US Defense Minister Lloyd Austin announced that the US, together with Denmark and the Netherlands, will lead a coalition of countries training Ukrainian pilots.

The “Fighter Coalition” was created for the first time by the 11 founding countries in July at the NATO summit in Vilnius.

Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Norway and Belgium also agreed to provide their own aircraft to support the Ukrainian Air Force.