Ukraine to receive more F-16 fighters from Denmark by end of year
Illustrative photo (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
By the end of 2024, Ukraine will receive another batch of F-16 fighter jets from Denmark. The exact date and number of aircraft in the new deliveries remain classified for operational security reasons, according to Denmark’s Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen.
According to the minister, the first aircraft was delivered to Ukraine in August, and Denmark has committed to supplying a total of 19 fighter jets.
"Another F-16 will be delivered in the second half of 2024," Poulsen confirmed.
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is one of the most prolific and successful multi-role fighters of the fourth generation. Developed in the United States, it has been adopted by many countries around the world, including Italy.
The F-16 is highly maneuverable, allowing it to excel in aerial combat. Moreover, it can carry a wide range of armaments, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, bombs, and rocket pods.
Due to its versatility, the F-16 is not only used for air superiority missions but also for ground strikes, reconnaissance, and other tasks. Its reliability and effectiveness have made the F-16 one of the most popular fighter jets globally.
F-16s for Ukraine
In July, Ukraine received its first F-16 fighters, and a training center in Romania has already prepared the first group of pilots. Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov recently said that the number of F-16s in Ukrainian skies will increase, with Ukrainian pilots already undergoing training in Romania.
On August 29, reports surfaced about a crash involving one of the F-16s in Ukraine. Later, the Ukrainian Air Force confirmed the death of pilot Oleksii Mes and the loss of the aircraft. He died on August 26 during a massive Russian attack on Ukraine. That day, the Ukrainian pilot had successfully downed three enemy missiles and a drone.
