Belgium to send two F-16s to Denmark for training of Ukrainian pilots
F-16 (Getty Images)
Belgium is set to deploy two dual-seat F-16 aircraft along with 50 military personnel to Denmark from March to September of 2024 to participate in training Ukrainian pilots, according to the Belgian RTBF.
The training mission is part of the F-16 coalition, a consortium of thirteen countries, including Belgium, under the leadership of Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States. The mission's objective is to bolster the Ukrainian Air Force with fighter-bombers.
Belgium will dispatch the two F-16 aircraft to the Skrydstrup Air Base in Denmark.
The preparation will involve training not only for pilots but also for Ukrainian technicians and mission planners.
F-16s for Ukraine
In 2023, Western allies of Ukraine formed an aviation coalition to provide the Armed Forces of Ukraine with modern fighter jets, including the F-16. Within this coalition, Ukraine is expected to receive at least 61 aircraft from Denmark and the Netherlands.
In early November, the Netherlands sent the first five F-16 fighters to Romania for the training of Ukrainian pilots, establishing a specialized center. At the end of December, the first group of Ukrainian pilots began training on F-16s in Denmark.
As reported by Newsweek, the first F-16 aircraft may have already arrived in Ukraine, although this information has not been officially confirmed by the Ukrainian Air Force.
