Belgium to send F-16BM to Denmark in March to train Ukrainian pilots

4 January, 2024 F-16BM fighter from the Belgian Air Component. Photo by Kelvin Jahae In March, Belgium will transfer two two-seat F-16BM combat trainer aircraft to Denmark to train Ukrainian pilots.

RTBF reported on this. For this purpose, Belgium will provide two F-16BM aircraft and 50 technical personnel, who will be stationed in Denmark between March and September 2024. This mission is part of the "F-16 Coalition" commitment, within which Belgium is to strengthen training for Ukrainian pilots by providing additional F-16s and instructors.

An F-16BM combat trainer aircraft from the Belgian Air Component.

Photo credits: Kelvin Jahae

In addition to Belgium, this coalition consists of 13 countries, led by Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States. The training takes place in Romania, Denmark, the United States, and the United Kingdom, where six Ukrainian pilots completed basic training shortly before Christmas. In addition to Belgium, a few days ago, the Norwegian government announced that it would deploy two F-16BM combat trainer aircraft to Denmark, which will speed up the training of Ukrainian pilots.

Last year, Norway announced that it would join Denmark, the Netherlands, and other countries in providing fighter jets for Ukraine's needs. Previously, Norway had already deployed 10 instructors to Denmark to train Ukrainian pilots, Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gram reported.

F-16BM of the Belgian Air Force. Photo from the network

Militarnyi previously reported that the first group of Ukrainian pilots completed a basic flight training program in the UK.

The British Royal Air Force started providing flight training and English language training for Ukrainians in August as part of the UK's contribution to the International Aviation Coalition.

The group consisted of six experienced Ukrainian fighter jet pilots.

Another ten Ukrainian trainee pilots have participated in English language training and are staying in the UK to continue their practical basic flight training and learn other important skills such as aviation medicine and centrifuge training.