F-16 for Ukraine: Denmark is ready to transfer fighters, but under certain conditions
17 June, 2023 An F-16 fighter of the Danish Air Force at the Skrydstrup Air Base. Photo credits: Reuters The Danish government is ready to transfer the F-16 fighters to Ukraine.
However, for this, there are conditions that require a joint solution by the allies. The announcement was made on Saturday by the acting Minister of Defense of Denmark Troels Lund Poulsen. He noted that the transfer of combat aircraft could only take place in cooperation with other countries within the framework of the coalition.
The transfer of the F-16s to Ukraine must also be approved by the United States, since these fighters are of American development and production. Following the speech, Poulsen emphasized that the country's government had not made a final decision to send the F-16 aircraft.
F-16 fighter of the Royal Danish Air Force. Photo credits: Wim Sonneveld
He said that such a possibility would be considered later, but at the same time stressed that Denmark would continue to be one of the leading countries in helping Ukraine.
On Thursday, Poulsen said that a plan had already been developed together with the Netherlands, which involved training Ukrainian pilots on the F-16s at the Danish Skrydstrup Air Base, as the fighters of that type were based there. Then he also added that he hoped for the support of other countries so that Denmark and the Netherlands could present a more specific plan at the NATO summit in Vilnius, which would be held in July.
Royal Danish Air Force F-16. Photo credits: NATO
At the same time, Poulsen stated that the proposed plan did not mean that Denmark had already decided to transfer its F-16 fighters to Ukraine.
It is expected that the training of Ukrainians should begin this summer.
As previously reported, in May it became known that Denmark and the Netherlands would lead the European coalition for training Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 fighters.
F-16 fighter jet.
2023.
Photo credits: Rolf Jonsen
Also, after the 12th Ramstein meeting, U.S.
Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, said that Norway, Belgium, Portugal and Poland had offered to contribute to the training of Ukrainians.