Denmark ready to transfer F-16 fighters to Ukraine - Defense Minister
The Danish government is ready to transfer F-16 fighters to Ukraine, but only if the United States, which produces these aircraft, approves this step.
That's according to Radio 4, Ukrinform reports.
Today, acting Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said that Denmark would support the transfer of fighter jets to Ukraine. But this will only happen if the United States, which produces the F16, approves.
"I want to say that I can't imagine that we would not support this. Ukraine needs aircraft. More than ever, if they want to fight external aggression. This also applies to Danish F-16 combat aircraft," Troels Lund Poulsen said in his speech.
Two days ago, the official said something completely different, stating that the Danish side had not made a decision to provide Danish fighters.
"The government has not yet made any decision on F-16 fighters," Troels Lund Poulsen said then.
Ukrainian pilots will soon arrive in Denmark, where they will be trained to operate and maintain F-16s.
The training will take place at the Skrydstrup base in Jutland, which Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen visited in May.
Denmark and the Netherlands are leaders in cooperation in training Ukrainian pilots. In total, Denmark has 43 F-16 combat aircraft, of which 30 are an active part of the military fleet. However, Danish F-16s are now replaced by more modern F-35 combat aircraft.
As reported, Denmark is ready to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighters by providing access to its air base.
Denmark, together with the United States, Britain, and the Netherlands, announced the transfer of hundreds of air defense missiles and systems to Ukraine to help protect Ukraine's infrastructure and support offensive operations.
Deliveries of air defense missiles and ammunition have already begun, and the final delivery will take place in the coming weeks.