First group of Ukrainian pilots starts training on F-16 fighters in Denmark

The Danish Armed Forces announced this on Tuesday, Reuters reports.

Thus, Denmark has begun training the first group of Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets as part of its commitment to provide Ukraine with aircraft and strengthen its air defense.

Denmark will supply 19 F-16 aircraft to Ukraine, with the first six to be delivered before the New Year.

F-16 fighters for Ukraine

On May 21, US President Joe Biden approved the training of Ukrainians on F-16s. Volodymyr Zelenskyy assured that Ukraine would not use these aircraft to strike at Russian territory. 

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says that the first F-16 fighter jets are likely to fly in Ukraine's skies by the end of March 2024.

On August 17, the United States approved the shipment of F-16 multi-role fighters to Ukraine.

At the same time, Denmark said it would supply Ukraine with the aircraft if they were not used in Russia.