Ukrainian pilots training on F-16 in Denmark: Zelenskyy showed video
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Photo: Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shared footage of our pilots training on F-16 fighter jets in Denmark. The video is dated February 2024, according to the President's Telegram channel.
"All Ukrainians are waiting for the day when the first Ukrainian F-16s will appear in our skies, when they will strengthen the defense of our cities and communities, and the capabilities of our Armed Forces of Ukraine," he noted.
Zelenskyy added that he is "grateful to the F-16 coalition that is bringing this day closer" while our pilots and personnel continue their training.
F-16 aircraft for Ukraine
The Netherlands and Denmark lead the aviation coalition for training Ukrainian pilots on American F-16 fighter jets. These countries have special flight simulators.
In August 2023, Denmark began training the first group of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets. It was about eight pilots. Last November, Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ignat said that Ukrainian pilots in Denmark are already undergoing air training with instructors on F-16 fighter jets.
On February 18, Foreign Policy reported that Ukraine will be able to receive the first F-16 fighters in the summer of 2024. Presumably, it is about June. At the same time, Ignat, commenting on media reports, recently noted that it is still unknown when Kyiv will receive the F-16 aircraft. But "the process is ongoing," Ukraine is transitioning to fighter jets on an emergency basis.
In turn, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte stated that the process of transferring F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine is proceeding according to schedule. Ukraine is expected to receive over 20 combat aircraft.
