Denmark does not stand against Ukraine’s F-16 strikes on Russia

30 May, 2024 F-16 fighter jet of the US Air Force drops bombs with JDAM kits. Photo credits: www.f-16.net Denmark, which is supplying Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets, is not opposed to strikes on facilities in Russia.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that Ukrainians can use Danish weapons outside their territory. This month, the Danish government announced a new military aid package that includes air defense systems and funding for the transfer of F-16 fighter jets. A certain amount of funds from this package will be used to prepare Danish F-16AM/AB fighter jets for deployment to Ukraine.

"Ukraine can use what we have donated, including beyond its borders, i.e. for targets in Russia, if it is in line with international law," said Mette Frederiksen. Before the working meeting on Ukraine's defense in Prague, Mette Frederiksen also noted that Ukraine's partners should make more efforts to strengthen Ukraine's air defense system.

"I welcome Germany's decision to provide the Patriot system. More countries should do the same... Europe should supply more systems and missiles to Ukraine," Frederiksen said.

As previously reported, Ukraine is to receive Danish F-16 fighter jets in the summer of 2024. Eight Ukrainian pilots started their training in Denmark in August 2023.

Volodymyr Zelensky and Mette Frederiksen in front of a Danish F-16 fighter jet. August 2023, Denmark.

Photo credits: Office of the President of Ukraine

The training takes place at the air base in Skrydstrup, where the Danish Air Force's fighter wing, consisting of the 727th and 730th squadrons, is stationed. Moreover, 65 personnel will be trained in maintaining and servicing the jets.

F-16 fighter jets of the Royal Danish Air Force.

Photo credits: RDAF

Denmark has pledged to transfer 19 F-16 fighter jets, which were modernized under the Mid-Life Update (MLU) program in the 2000s.

During the MLU program, the future Ukrainian fighter jets were overhauled and received, in particular, a more modern AN/APG-66(V)2 radar.