U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, following the results of the 16th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein format), announced that the United States would lead a coalition of countries in training the Ukrainian Air Force.

"The members of this Contact Group are organizing into what we call 'capability coalitions,' and that' going to make our security assistance more nimble. Some of these capability coalitions have already been formed. Estonia and Luxembourg will lead a coalition focused on supporting Ukraine's IT infrastructure. Lithuania is leading a way in helping Ukraine neutralize Russian mines on Ukrainian territory. And I am proud to announce that the United States will step up again to help lead a coalition of countries working with Ukraine to develop its Air Force," Austin said at a briefing with Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Charles Brown.

Austin noted that while leading the coalition, the United States will closely coordinate its actions with Ukraine and other partners, paying particular attention to developing the capabilities of Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets.

"I am pleased that Denmark and the Netherlands will be co-leading this coalition together with us. I am also proud to announce that the United States will be joining several more of these coalitions as they form in the coming weeks, including those focused on Ukraine's air defense, armor and artillery," the minister noted.