Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced today, Sunday, that her country will donate 19 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. This announcement was made during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Skrydstrup Air Base in Denmark.
The Prime Minister expressed her hope to deliver six additional fighter jets of the same model to Ukraine by approximately next year, with five more being provided in the same year.
The Danish Foreign Ministry confirmed in a statement that Denmark and the Netherlands will supply F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine once the necessary conditions are met. The ministry stated, "We agree to transfer F-16s to Ukraine and the Ukrainian Air Force in close collaboration with the United States and other partners, once the necessary conditions for their delivery are met."
The ministry added: "Conditions include, but are not limited to, the selection of Ukrainian personnel to operate the F-16s, successful testing and training, as well as the availability of necessary infrastructure, logistical services, and licenses."
Earlier on the same day, the Ukrainian President also visited the Netherlands as part of an effort to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses following days of the U.S. greenlighting the Netherlands and Denmark to deliver F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, in a press conference with Zelensky at a military airbase in Eindhoven, stated, "Today we can announce the commitment of the Netherlands and Denmark to deliver F-16s to Ukraine and the Ukrainian Air Force, which includes cooperation with the United States and other partners once the necessary delivery conditions are met."
Zelensky described this step as an "important agreement," but noted that the number of aircraft his country will receive will be discussed "later." He previously mentioned, "The main issue is for Ukraine to get F-16 aircraft to protect our people from Russian terrorism. We are becoming stronger."
Additionally, he remarked that the visit's agenda includes a global peace summit and holding Russia accountable for its actions.
The Netherlands currently operates 24 F-16 aircraft, which are scheduled to be gradually phased out by mid-2024. The Netherlands has also offered an additional 18 aircraft for sale.
