In a move set to transform the dynamics of the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, Denmark is on the verge of delivering the first batch of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
This significant military support comes amidst intensified calls from Kyiv for enhanced air capabilities in the face of continued Russian aggression.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, speaking at a press conference alongside Nordic and German leaders in Stockholm, declared that the initial five US-made jets would reach Ukrainian skies “in the coming month.”
This delivery is part of a broader commitment by a coalition of Kiev’s Western backers, which last year promised to supply Ukraine with F-16s and facilitate pilot training.
Denmark has pledged 19 of the coalition’s total promised 40 F-16 fighter jets, with another 24 slated to come from the Netherlands.
Frederiksen emphasized the need for Western nations to “donate” not just aircraft but also ammunition and air defense systems to Ukraine, highlighting a stark deficiency in Kyiv’s current military resources.
Ukrainian forces have been battling against an advancing Russian front in the Donbass and Kharkov Region.
Frederiksen pointed to the “lack of air defenses” as the primary cause of Ukrainian losses, positioning the conflict as the “top priority” for the EU and NATO and underscoring the gravity of “hybrid attacks and operations on the NATO soil.”
Kajsa Ollongren, the Dutch Defense Minister, had previously mentioned that Denmark would spearhead the F-16 deliveries during the summer, with the Netherlands following in the latter half of the year.
Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Ilya Evlash hinted at an even earlier timeline, suggesting the jets could arrive “after Easter,” which was observed on May 5.
As for the Ukrainian pilots transitioning to the new jets, the experience has been likened to upgrading from an old Nokia to an iPhone.
“Moonfish,” a Ukrainian pilot undergoing training at Skrysdtrup base in Denmark, described the F-16s as “awesome” yet challenging, particularly due to their complex electronic systems. He underscored the agility of the jets compared to the Soviet-made MiGs he previously operated.
Kyiv’s pursuit of the US-made jets underscores a strategic goal to enhance both defensive and offensive capacities.
Although some senior Ukrainian military officials have expressed concerns that the jets may become obsolete due to Russia’s developing countermeasures, the deliveries signal continued Western commitment to Ukraine’s defense.
With NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg affirming Ukraine’s right to hit “Russian military targets outside Ukraine,” in compliance with international law, the impending arrival of the F-16s could markedly increase Kyiv’s strike capability range. Yet, Moscow remains steadfast in its stance, asserting that Western arms supplies will not shift the ultimate outcome of the conflict but will merely serve to prolong it.
Relevant articles:
– Danish PM reveals timeline for F-16 delivery to Ukraine , azərbaycan24, 05/14/2024
– A Ukraine pilot said flying ‘awesome’ F-16s is like upgrading from an old Nokia to an iPhone, Yahoo News Canada, 05/12/2024
– Ukraine to get its first F-16 jets in June-July, says Kyiv military source, Yahoo News Canada, 05/13/2024