Norwegian F-16 fighter jets have landed in Denmark to support the Norwegian Air Force’s training program for Ukrainian personnel. announced January 5th.
Earlier this week, Oslo Said It is sending two F-16s and 10 instructors to a facility in Denmark where Ukrainian aviators are trained.
Norway, one of 13 countries in the Fighter Coalition, has pledged to help train Ukrainian pilots in F-16s as Kyiv expects to receive US-made fighter jets from partner countries.
“After more than 40 years of service, these aircraft will now train Ukrainian military personnel and strengthen efforts to defend Ukraine,” the Norwegian Air Force said on social media platform X.
Belgium too announced On January 4, the company announced it would send two F-16 jets and 50 personnel to Denmark as part of a training program.
Following Denmark, the United States also provides flight training for Ukrainian pilots, and a training base was opened in Romania in November last year.
Pentagon Spokesperson General Pat Ryder Said On January 4, it announced that training in the United States would be completed “later this year,” without giving a more precise deadline.
washington post report According to official estimates, Ukrainian pilots will be able to fly the F-16 by the summer of 2024.
It is also unclear when Ukraine will receive the aircraft. Some Ukrainian parliamentarians was suggested In the best case scenario, it won’t be up and running until late spring.
Apart from the two jets assigned to the training, Norway pledged Handing over some unspecified number of F-16s to strengthen the Ukrainian Air Force. Oslo plans to send between five and 10 aircraft, broadcaster NRK said.
Netherlands hands over 18 F-16s to Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on December 22nd after a telephone conversation with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.Denmark pledged The company plans to provide 19 aircraft.