In early August 2024, Ukraine confirmed the reception and official incorporation of its first F-16 fighters transferred by Western allies. Among these donors is Denmark, which has pledged to transfer 19 of its Fighting Falcons, along with various support packages for the aircraft, as it continues to receive its F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters. The latest update on this process was reported a few days ago by Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, who confirmed that the Nordic country has already completed the transfer of a total of 12 out of the 19 committed aircraft.
With the goal of strengthening the capabilities of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, Western allies are in the process of transferring between 80 and 90 F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters. More than three years after the invasion began in February 2022, these efforts continue with the transfer of combat aircraft from Denmark and the Netherlands, soon to be joined by Norway and Belgium.
According to previous reports, the program includes the transfer of 24 fighters from the Netherlands, 19 from Denmark, 12 from Norway (plus 10 additional units to be used as spare parts sources), and 30 from Belgium.
As official announcements indicate, at this stage, Danish and Dutch aircraft are the first to be incorporated into the Ukrainian Air Force’s combat wings. A few days ago, the Dutch government confirmed the delivery of the first batch of F-16s.
This announcement was complemented by statements from Denmark’s Minister of Defense, who provided the latest update on the delivery process of combat aircraft from the Royal Danish Air Force.
On this matter, Troels Lund Poulsen stated: “I am very honored that Denmark has been able to commit to delivering 19 F-16 aircraft. Twelve of them have been delivered. And the rest will also be in the skies of Ukraine this year.” He further added: “And we must do even more. I believe Europe must step up. The connection between Ukraine and Europe is very, very important. It is also crucial that Europe can do even more and invest even more in military potential.”
It should not be overlooked that the progress in transferring more F-16 fighters to Ukraine depends on the advancement of training and the formation of new generations of pilots and crews, as well as the development of the necessary infrastructure to support these combat aircraft. One of the latest developments in this regard was Canada’s confirmation of its acquisition of flight simulators for the U.S.-origin aircraft for this purpose, as part of one of its most recent military aid packages.
Finally, it is worth noting that the future of Denmark’s F-16 fighters is divided between Argentina and Ukraine, the two countries currently receiving this combat platform. In the case of the Argentine Air Force, its first two-seat F-16BM has already been officially presented, intended for training and the instruction of new pilots, crews, and mechanics at the VI Air Brigade in Tandil, Buenos Aires. By the end of the year, the arrival of the first six operational units from Denmark is expected.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
