Belgium will send two two-seat F-16Bs and about 50 instructors to Denmark to train Ukrainian pilots from March to September, RTBF reported on January 4, citing the country’s Ministry of Defense. We are planning to send them.
Also read: Sweden and Denmark sign agreement to supply additional CV90 IFVs to Ukraine
The training mission, which will also include the training of Ukrainian technicians and mission planners, is part of a 13-nation F-16 coalition including Denmark, the Netherlands and the U.S.-led Belgium. Its goal is to provide this type of fighter aircraft to the Ukrainian Air Force and train personnel who can use these aircraft to fight Russian aggression.
On December 26, the British government said Ukrainian pilots were receiving advanced training to fly F-16s in Denmark after completing basic orientation in the UK. A group of six experienced Ukrainian pilots received aviation-specific English training in the UK. An additional 10 pilots will remain there to continue their flight training.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced on December 22 that the Netherlands has begun preparations to deliver the first 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
Also read: New video released of Ukrainian soldiers training in the UK – UK Ministry of Defense
In August, the Netherlands and Denmark promised to give Ukraine 61 aircraft, 42 and 19 respectively. Subsequently, Norway confirmed its intention to supply F-16s. Belgium also plans to provide F-16s to Ukraine starting in 2025.
Also read: F-16 coalition is working to increase the number of F-16 fighters delivered to Ukraine
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said at a joint press conference with the Netherlands’ Hanke Bruins Slot in Kiev on December 5 that “Ukraine’s allies will continue to support the F-16 fighter jets provided to Ukraine.” We are working together to increase the number of
He previously said Ukraine could receive its first F-16 in the first half of 2024.
Also read: Ukrainian pilots train on F-16s in Denmark after basic orientation in UK
Ukrainian Air Force Spokesman Yuri Ifnat said at a press conference on November 21 that Ukrainian pilots based in Denmark are already flying with instructors in F-16 fighter jets.
Western F-16 fighter jets could become “useless” next year as Russia improves its weapons and air defense systems, Ukrainian military chief Valery Zarzhiny said in a British publication published Nov. 1. He spoke in an interview with the weekly news magazine The Economist. .
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