Denmark to deliver first F-16s in 2024
11 October, 2023 Lockheed Martin F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcon of the Danish Air Force. Photo from open sources Denmark plans to transfer the first F-16 fighter jets from its Air Force to Ukraine in the first quarter of 2024.
Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen stated this before a meeting at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. "We expect that l we will be able to hand over the first aircraft to Ukraine in March-Apri. But there is a lot of work to be done to ensure that Ukrainians can fly them," says Poulsen.
He emphasizes that Ukraine should be able to both maintain the fighter jets and protect them from Russian attacks. Presumably, this means developing ground infrastructure and air defense.
Lockheed Martin F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcon of the Danish Air Force.
Photo from open sources
Paulsen emphasized that the aim is to deliver the first aircraft in the first quarter of 2024. However, this depends on the readiness of the pilots, who need further training. Last but not least, everything also depends on the training of Ukrainian support personnel who are supposed to service the aircraft.
Aviation coalition
Together with the Netherlands, Denmark leads a coalition of countries that train Ukrainian pilots and support personnel.
The countries pledged to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets to support it in its war against Russia. In August, the Danish government announced that Denmark would provide 19 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Similar announcements have been made by other NATO countries.
On October 11, before a meeting at NATO headquarters, Belgian Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder announced that her country would also send fighter aircraft to Ukraine. However, this will happen no earlier than 2025.
Maintenance of an F-16 fighter jet.
Photo from open sources
However, the Belgian government plans to take over the maintenance of the entire fleet of "coalition" F-16s that will be transferred to Ukraine. At the same time, Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren announced in August that her country would transfer almost its entire fleet of fighter jets to Ukraine. The Netherlands will transfer most of the existing 42 F-16 fighter jets, leaving some for the training of Ukrainian pilots.
The Norwegian authorities have decided to transfer its F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. According to the Norwegian national broadcaster NRK, it could be as many as five to ten fighter pilots, two of which will be provided immediately for training.
An F-16 fighter jet of the Royal Norwegian Air Force. Photo from open sources
This regards 12 aircraft that were being prepared for sale to the American company Draken International.
The plan was to use the purchased aircraft as an "Aggressor" in US air exercises.
It can be assumed that the deal was canceled.