Denmark says Ukraine to get F-16 jets in second quarter of 2024
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
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
COPENHAGEN – Denmark’s transfer of 19 American-made F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine will take place in the second quarter of 2024, once Ukrainian pilots have completed training, the Danish Defence Ministry said on Jan 6.
“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 after heavy losses incurred by its air force, which flies mostly Russian aircraft.
The US F-16s have better combat capabilities than the jets operated by Ukraine.
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 and is now training Ukrainian pilots, but has not yet said when the 42 planes will arrive.
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 in February 2022, Denmark’s overall aid to Ukraine has reached €2.2 billion (S$3.2 billion). AFP
