Denmark to donate F-16s to Ukraine, defense ministry confirms

The government of Denmark will donate Danish F16 aircraft together with the Netherlands.

That's according to the country's Ministry of Defense, Ukrinform reports.

“In light of Russia's brutal and unprovoked aggression, Denmark and the Netherlands, supported by the US, share the conviction that continued support to Ukraine is of utmost importance. Taking note of the establishment of the joint coalition on F16 training, we agree that the natural next step will be the transfer of F-16 fighter aircraft. Donation of aircraft will be vital for efforts related to ensuring Ukraine a fully functional F-16 capability," the statement reads.

It has been agreed that F-16 aircraft be transferred to Ukraine and the Ukrainian Air Force in close cooperation with the U.S. and other partners, when the conditions for such a transfer are met. 

Conditions include, but are not limited to, successfully selected, tested and trained Ukrainian F-16 personnel as well as necessary authorizations, infrastructure and logistics.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte stated at a joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine that the Netherlands and Denmark undertake to transfer F-16 aircraft to Ukraine when the relevant conditions are met. In total, the Netherlands has 42 aircraft for training Ukrainians in Denmark and Romania.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Thomas Meneguin