Danish newspaper Berlingske reported on January 6, citing the country’s Ministry of Defense, that the delivery of the first six Danish F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, which was scheduled for around the end of 2023, will not take place until the second quarter of 2024. It was reported that it has been postponed. .
The ministry said some of the conditions necessary for the F-16 transfer, including pilot training, have not yet been met, noting that the training schedule depends on several factors, including weather conditions.
He added that efforts of the International Union of Air Forces are underway to ensure the necessary infrastructure, material and technical base for Ukraine’s airfields, as well as the training of mechanics and other ground personnel.
Also read: Airfield for Ukrainian pilots to train on F-16 fighter jets officially opens in Romania
The terms of delivery of the Danish F-16s, with eight more expected in 2024 and five more in 2025, remain unclear at this time.
Denmark is the only country to announce exact delivery dates for F-16s, while Norway and Belgium have not released details of the planned transfer.
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.
According to reports on January 5, two F-16 fighter jets donated by Norway have arrived in Denmark for the training of Ukrainian pilots.
Also read: First Dutch F-16 arrives in Romania, training Ukrainian and NATO pilots
The training mission will also include the training of Ukrainian technicians and mission planners and 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.
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.
In August, the Netherlands and Denmark promised to provide Ukraine with 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: Air Force announces that F-16s will no longer be deployed in 2023
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 are committed to ensuring that the F-16 fighter jets provided to Ukraine are We are working together to increase the number.”
He previously said Ukraine could receive its first F-16 in the first half of 2024.
Also read: Ukraine’s Patriot air defense system shot down 10 Russian planes, military expert says
Ukrainian Air Force Spokesman Yuri Ifnat said at a press conference on November 21 that Ukrainian pilots in Denmark are already flying with instructors in F-16 fighter jets.
Western F-16 fighter jets may become “useless” next year as Russia improves its weapons and air defense systems, Ukrainian military chief Valery Zarzhiny said in an interview with British news magazine The Economist. Stated.
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