Denmark donates 19 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine

The Danish government has received support from the Foreign Policy Committee to donate 19 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.

Together with the Netherlands, Denmark has taken the lead in establishing the retraining of Ukrainian pilots for F-16 aircraft, and training is now underway.

“The training of Ukrainian pilots is the first necessary step to provide them with the skills and qualifications to operate the aircraft. The next step in securing Ukraine’s airspace is for the West to provide fighter jets for the pilots in Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion. It will take time before this happens,” says Minister of Defense Jakob Ellemann-Jensen.

“Denmark stands firmly by Ukraine’s side, and the donation of F-16 fighter jets is yet another clear example of our unwavering support for Ukraine’s struggle for freedom against ongoing Russian aggression. Denmark will do everything we can to expand the coalition so that more countries can assist in delivering the F-16 fighter jets that Ukraine needs to strengthen its air defense,” says Minister of Foreign Affairs Lars Løkke Rasmussen.

The announcement of the Danish donation was made at a press conference at Skydstrup Air Base, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was also present.

While Denmark has committed to providing 19 fighter jets, Ukraine will not immediately benefit from them. The first six F-16 aircraft are expected to be delivered to Ukraine around New Year. Following that, eight aircraft will be delivered in 2024, and five in 2025.