The F-16 jets, which previously bore the Danish flag and air force insignia, are now under Ukrainian command and stationed on Ukrainian soil. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance Ukraine’s air defence capabilities and establish a modern Ukrainian Air Force.
Flyvevåbnets kokarde er pillet af de første F-16-fly, som Danmark har doneret til Ukraine. Nu er de på ukrainsk jord, hvor de er en del af forsvaret mod den ulovlige russiske angrebskrig. Se billeder fra F-16-flyenes afrejse her: https://t.co/3vrg2ybBAv #værdatkæmpefor #dkforsvar pic.twitter.com/DHdAXzHrIJ
— Forsvaret (@forsvaretdk) August 12, 2024
“This is an important milestone as the first Danish F-16s have now arrived in Ukraine. It’s a crucial step in strengthening Ukraine’s fighter jet capacity and laying the groundwork for a modern air force,” said Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen. He emphasized the significant impact this donation will have on Ukraine’s defence, which continues to face severe challenges.
The training and preparation of Ukrainian pilots and support personnel began in August 2023 at Fighter Wing Skrydstrup in Denmark. Despite the complexities of integrating such a sophisticated weapons system in a short time, the task has been met with professionalism and dedication by the Danish Armed Forces.
The acting Chief of Defence, General Michael Hyldgaard, expressed pride in the achievement, noting, “It normally takes years to integrate a system like this. The fact that our personnel have managed this task so professionally makes me genuinely proud.”
Denmark’s contribution is part of an international coalition, led alongside the Netherlands and the United States, to modernize Ukrainian Air Force. The coalition, which includes over 15 nations, operates within the framework of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG).
Major General Jan Dam, head of the Danish Air Force, highlighted Denmark’s leading role in supporting Ukraine: “Though Denmark is a small player in defence, we are at the forefront in Europe when it comes to supporting Ukraine.”
The donation includes 19 F-16 fighter jets, training for Ukrainian pilots, technicians, and support staff, as well as a range of equipment and spare parts to ensure the effective operation of the aircraft.
The efforts to build a robust Ukrainian F-16 capability are ongoing, with Denmark committed to supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom in the long term.
