Danish Ambassador confident: Bright future ahead with Ukraine’s F-16 deal

Danish Ambassador, Ole Egberg Mikkelsen, expressed “optimism” about Ukraine getting F-16s, referring to words of Danish PM Mette Frederiksen in an interview with RBC-Ukraine on April 30.

“I'm not very familiar with the technical details, but I can quote my Prime Minister, she said the planes will arrive this summer," he said.

"She did not specify which month. I can only refer to what she said."

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According to a diplomat, the situation is complex, as it involves not only the aircraft, but also an entire support system, including maintenance and ground crews responsible for monitoring its serviceability.

“I'm optimistic, I'm sure they will arrive soon and hopefully will be ready for operation as soon as possible,” he said.

F-16's for Ukraine

In August 2023, Netherlands and Denmark promised to jointly provide Ukraine with 61 American F-16 fighter jets. This was preceded by a transfer authorization from United States.

In addition, Norway has confirmed its intention to supply F-16s. Belgium will also provide F-16s to Ukraine.

In December, the Netherlands announced plans to prepare for transferring the first 18 aircraft to Ukraine, later raising the number to 24, with a total promise of 42 fighters to Kyiv.

Estimated delivery dates for fighter jets to Ukraine are the first half of 2024.

Read also: Ukraine developing dispersed deployment scheme for F-16 jets

Foreign Policy reported on Feb. 18, citing European officials, that the first F-16s would arrive in Ukraine around June 2024. However, Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat stated that discussing specific transfer dates for the F-16s to Ukraine was not feasible.

UK government announced that first 10 Ukrainian pilots had completed basic flight, ground and language training on F-16 fighters in UK on March 22. Pilots will move on to advanced flight training provided by the French Air Force now.

Ukraine may receive only six F-16s out of 45 promised by allies this summer, reported NYT on March 11.

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