Ukrainian pilots have started training on F-16 jets in Denmark – Zaluzhnyi

Some Ukrainian pilots have already passed preparation and can begin flight training for the F-16 jets, says the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valerii Zaluzhnyi.

The armed forces chief said that he had a constructive telephone conversation with the Chief of the Danish Defense Staff, General Flemming Lentfer, Rubryka reports.

"The focus is on training Ukrainian pilots and engineers on the F-16, which is ongoing in Denmark. General Lentfer reported that some of our pilots have already successfully completed preparatory measures and can begin flight training," Zaluzhnyi noted.

Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhnyi reported that it has already been agreed with Danish partners to start work on logistics to ensure the maintenance and repair of F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine.

"I thanked the entire Danish people, the government for the decision to transfer 19 F-16 jets to Ukraine and comprehensive support in the fight against the Russian aggressor," said Zaluzhnyi.

Rubryka reported that Denmark announced the start of training of Ukrainian pilots on the F-16 at the end of August.

What do we know about F-16 fighters for Ukraine?

The US recently approved the transfer of F-16 fighter jets from Denmark and the Netherlands to Ukraine. National Security Adviser to the President of the United States, Jake Sullivan, said that Ukraine will receive the planes after pilot training is completed.

The Netherlands and Denmark agreed to transfer F-16 jets to Ukraine after Ukrainian pilots finish training.

In particular, Ukraine will receive 42 American F-16 fighter jets from the Netherlands and 19 fighters from Denmark. Training of Ukrainian pilots will begin as soon as possible.

Earlier, Air Force spokesperson Ihnat reported that Ukraine needs about 128 jets to gain superiority in the sky and replace the old aircraft fleet.

The United States will soon join the program of training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets. Portugal has also expressed readiness to participate in training Ukrainian pilots and engineers on F-16 combat jets.

Greece also agreed to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighters. Romania and the Netherlands agreed to create a base for training Ukrainian pilots on the F-16.