Denmark says Ukraine to get F-16 jets in second quarter of 2024
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in an F-16 fighter jet at Skrydstrup Air Base in Vojens, Denmark, in August 2023.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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COPENHAGEN – Denmark’s transfer of 19 American-made F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine
“Based on the current timetable, the donation should take place in the second quarter of 2024,” the ministry said in a statement.
“It’s mainly an issue of finishing the training of Ukrainian personnel who will operate the planes.”
Denmark, which is replacing its F-16 fleet with more modern F-35 jets, announced in August 2023 that it would provide the 19 planes, after securing approval from the United States government.
Kyiv had long sought to obtain the fighters
The US F-16s have better combat capabilities
But Washington had resisted allowing the jet transfers for fear of being considered a direct belligerent in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by Moscow.
The Netherlands also announced in August F-16 transfers to Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky assured in his New Year’s address that Ukrainian pilots were ready to fly the F-16s, which should be put into service in 2024.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
