 Pentagon, tanks will play a decisive role in Ukraine's counterattacks against Russia. Joint Chiefs, Chair General Mark Milley, has stressed the importance of modern battle tanks for Ukraine's counteroffensive as they provide the firepower and strength, noting that F-16 fighter jets would be more of a long-term effort. He told this to reporters during a trip to France, according to CNN. Both for the defense and the offense. Upgraded modern tanks, the training that goes with it, the ability to use them will be fundamental to Ukrainian success, Milley said. Milley said the tanks will operate in a coordinated fashion with artillery, infantry and more when the counteroffensive begins. Utilizing the training on military maneuvers, the US has provided for Ukraine in Germany to attack entrenched Russian positions. Everyone recognizes that Ukraine needs a modernized air force and everyone knows that. It's going to take a considerable length of time, effort, money to build that air force, the US general said. The US earlier pledged to provide 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. Other countries have already sent German-made Leopard 2 tanks and British Challenger 2 tanks. Approximately 400 Ukrainian troops recently began training on US-made M1A1 Abrams tanks, a process that is expected to last approximately 12 weeks. About half of the troops are learning to operate the tanks, while the other half will learn how to maintain the complex Western system. The Pentagon official also noted that the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine will take time.