Denmark’s plan to donate F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine has encountered a delay of several months, as reported by Berlingske, citing the Danish Ministry of Defense. Initially scheduled for delivery by the end of 2023, the first six aircraft are now expected to arrive in Ukraine during the second quarter of 2024.
According to Berlingske, the Danish Ministry of Defense indicated that the delivery schedule was always subject to certain prerequisites. Key among these are the successful training of Ukrainian pilots and the assurance of adequate logistics and infrastructure in Ukraine to maintain and service the jets. However, the Ministry did not provide further specifics on these conditions.
This delay comes despite Denmark’s commitment in August, as announced by the Prime Minister, to send 19 F-16s to Kyiv. This pledge forms part of a broader effort by allies to supply Ukraine with advanced weapons, aiding in the defense against Russia’s invasion.
On 4 January, RTBF reported, citing a source from the Belgian Ministry of Defense, that Belgium has announced plans to send two F-16 fighter jets and approximately 50 personnel to Denmark from March to September 2024 to train Ukrainian pilots.
On 3 January, Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram announced that Norway would send two F-16 fighter jets to assist in training Ukrainian pilots on the US-made aircraft in Denmark.
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