Denmark appears likely to postpone the promised delivery of F-16 aircraft to Ukraine. This setback is expected to last at least six months, with local news outlets predicting the expected timeline as follows: “Third quarter” The development was reported by Danish news outlet Berlingske, citing sources from the Danish Ministry of Defense.
According to BulgarianMilitary.com, if we recall, Denmark and the Netherlands were the first two European countries to be granted permission by the US to re-export F-16s. The two countries have committed to sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine starting in February 2022 to help defend against Russian aggression. Denmark has promised to send 19 F-16s, and the Netherlands has pledged to provide 18. These commitments are important elements. Regarding the Western strategy of providing support to Ukraine.
The Danish Ministry of Defense, cited by Berlinske, stressed that the aircraft delivery schedule depends on several factors. The report found that the schedule is dependent on the proper training and readiness of Ukrainian pilots, as well as the logistics and infrastructure necessary to maintain the aircraft in Ukraine. However, further details have not been disclosed by the ministry.
Earlier, US media reported, citing a senior US military official at the Pentagon, that Ukrainian pilots are currently not equipped to oversee F-16 operations in Ukraine. Their training is ongoing, and according to US military estimates, more Ukrainian pilots could be ready to fly by the end of summer 2024.
As highlighted by BulgarianMilitary.com, Denmark and Belgium remain steadfast in their commitment to facilitate the training of Ukrainian pilots using the F-16. These aircraft regularly participate in our training center in Denmark. As signaled by BulgarianMilitary.com, two additional F-16s sent from Belgium will be engaged in improving the skills of Ukrainian pilots at a center in Denmark.
Sources from Denmark, Britain and other Western countries say six pilots from the Ukrainian Air Force are already actively flying F-16s in Danish airspace. Meanwhile, a dozen more people are still in the UK. “dry” Training begins with learning English, the language required for future assignments.
Denmark, like Belgium, is also awaiting delivery of a new fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets. However, similar to Belgium, this delivery is experiencing delays and is not expected to arrive by the previously scheduled date. This delay was due to problems that occurred during the integration of the TR-3 into the U.S. fighter Block 4, an issue we have previously covered. The goal is to replace Denmark and Belgium’s aging F-16 fleets with these fifth-generation U.S. fighters.
Uncertainty looms over the F-16’s delivery schedule. This was confirmed by a spokesperson for the Ministry of Air Defense of Ukraine, who recently stated, as reported by Berlingske: “We cannot comment on the exact time when Ukraine will receive its first F-16.”
Reflecting on recent events, BulgarianMilitary.com reminds us of an important statement made by outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on December 22nd. He revealed that the Netherlands is preparing to take delivery of his initial set of 18 F-16s. Fighter planes fly to Ukraine. However, he firmly pointed out that certain criteria must be met before this transfer can begin.
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