Ukraine to receive first F-16s from Denmark in summer

Copenhagen, Denmark (Svidomi) — Ukraine can expect to receive the first Danish F-16 fighter jets in the summer of 2024 the Danish Defence Ministry has announced, citing an international coalition led by Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States.

Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said it was difficult to set a clear timetable for the transfer of the F-16s because "there are several conditions that must be met for Ukraine to use the aircraft".

"We are now working to achieve more unity this summer, when we expect to be able to deliver the first F-16s to Ukraine if preparations go according to plan," he said.

The final delivery of the first Danish F-16s depends on the full training of Ukrainian pilots and the necessary Ukrainian support personnel, as well as the availability of the necessary logistics and infrastructure in Ukraine. The international coalition in support of Ukraine is working to ensure this.

During a briefing with then Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in August 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the Netherlands and Denmark had pledged to provide Ukraine with 42 F-16 fighter jets. Belgium and Greece joined in the training of Ukrainian pilots.

In early February 2023, the Netherlands announced that it would provide Ukraine with six additional F-16 fighter jets.