United to win: Denmark to deliver additional batch of F-16 jets to Ukraine by year-end
Photo: Ruslan Kaniuka
Denmark plans to deliver another set of F–16 fighter jets to Ukraine before the end of the year. The specific date and quantity of planes in the shipment are currently classified for operational security purposes.
The Minister of Defense of Denmark, Troels Lund Poulsen, announced that.
According to the minister, the first plane was handed over to Ukraine in August, and Denmark has committed to supply 19 fighters in total.
"Another F-16 will be delivered in the second half of 2024," Poulsen confirmed.
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is one of the most massive and successful fourth-generation multipurpose fighters. Developed in the USA, it was adopted by many countries, including Italy.
The F-16's high maneuverability allows it to conduct aerial combat effectively. It can also carry a wide range of weapons, including air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, bombs, and unguided missile containers.
The F–16 is highly versatile, serving not only for air superiority but also for attacking ground targets, conducting reconnaissance, and completing other tasks. Its reliability and efficiency have made it one of the most sought-after fighter jets globally.
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On August 4, the Day of the Air Force of Ukraine's armed forces, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the F-16 aircraft were already in Ukraine.
He emphasized that Ukraine held "hundreds of meetings and negotiations" to obtain the F-16. However, the president noted that the number of F-16 aircraft and trained pilots is still insufficient.
It was also reported that the Romanian training center trained the first group of pilots. Defense Minister of Ukraine Rustem Umerov recently stated that the number of F-16 aircraft in Ukrainian skies would increase and that Ukrainian pilots were already undergoing training in Romania.
It should be noted that Ukrainian pilots are already being trained in other countries. The Prime Minister of Denmark, one of the countries in the "aircraft coalition," expressed hope that the first F-16s would be in Ukrainian skies by summer.
On August 26, while repelling a massive Russian air attack, Ukraine lost the first F-16 it received from its partners. As a result, the pilot of the plane, Oleksii Mes, who was one of those who lobbied for the transfer of Western fighter jets to Kyiv, also died. That day, he shot down three enemy missiles and a drone.
The military is currently examining various versions regarding the Ukrainian F–16 disaster. The outcome of the investigation into the crash is expected to be revealed soon. Despite the unfortunate event, the capabilities of these fighter jets have already been demonstrated through their results.
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