January 4, 2024 F-16BM fighter of Belgian Aviation Components.Photo credit: Kelvin Jae
In March, Belgium will transfer two two-seat F-16BM fighter trainer aircraft to Denmark to train Ukrainian pilots.
RTBF reported this.
To this end, Belgium will provide two F-16BM aircraft and 50 technical personnel, who will be stationed in Denmark from March to September 2024.
The mission is part of the F-16 Coalition initiative, in which Belgium will provide additional F-16s and instructors to enhance the training of Ukrainian pilots.
The coalition is made up of 13 countries, including Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States. Training took place in Romania, Denmark, the United States and the United Kingdom, with six Ukrainian pilots completing basic training just before Christmas.
In addition to Belgium, the Norwegian government announced a few days ago that it would also deploy two F-16BM fighter trainers to Denmark to accelerate the training of Ukrainian pilots.
Norway announced last year that it would work with Denmark, the Netherlands and others to supply fighter jets to meet Ukraine’s needs.
Earlier, Defense Minister Björn Arild Gramm reported that Norway had already sent 10 instructors to Denmark to train Ukrainian pilots.
Militarny previously reported that the first group of Ukrainian pilots completed a basic flight training program in the UK.
The Royal Air Force began offering flying and English language training to Ukrainians in August as part of the UK’s contribution to the International Aeronautical Union.
The group consisted of six experienced Ukrainian fighter pilots.
A further 10 Ukrainian trainee pilots are in the UK to take part in English language training, continue their practical basic flight training and learn important skills such as aviation medicine and centrifuge training.