It was not immediately clear when the first F-16s might enter the conflict as Ukrainian pilots will also have to undertake at least six months’ training.
The Pentagon is sending the Thomas Hudner, a destroyer, and F-35 fighter jets after Iran tried to seize two oil tankers near the strait early this month.
A senior defense official says the U.S. is beefing up its use of fighter jets around the strategic Strait of Hormuz to protect ships from Iranian seizures.