Ukrainian pilots could begin training to fly US-manufacture F-16 fighter jets as soon as this summer, the Dutch defence minister said, a first step toward supplying Kyiv with a powerful, long-term capability in its war with Russia. Nato allies the Netherlands and Denmark are leading an international coalition to train pilots and support staff, maintain aircraft and ultimately supply F-16s to Ukraine. Kajsa Ollongren said the aim would be to have the training programme fully operational within six months. Denmark, where there are flight simulators, is a possible location for the programme.