They are the first countries to donate the American jets to Kiev, which wants to use them in its counter-offensive against the Russian invasion. The number of fighter jets and the date of delivery have not been disclosed, and depend on pilot training.
(DW) The Netherlands and Denmark announced on Sunday (20/08) that they will donate F-16 jets to Ukraine, after receiving the go-ahead on Friday from the United States, which produces the aircraft desired by Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski to strengthen his fight against the invasion of Ukraine.
The delivery schedule will depend on how quickly Ukrainian pilots and infrastructure are ready to receive the fourth-generation jets, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told Zelenski while the two were visiting a Dutch air base.
Ukraine has long been calling for the sophisticated fighter to give it an edge in combat. Recently, Kiev launched its counter-offensive against Kremlin forces without air cover, putting its troops at the mercy of Russian aviation and artillery.
Zelenski hailed the “historic” announcement and praised Rutte for making the Netherlands the first country to offer the planes to Ukraine. The announcement was made minutes after the two leaders inspected two gray F-16 jets parked in a hangar at the Dutch base in the southern city of Eindhoven.
“I am proud that Denmark, together with the Netherlands, will donate F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine’s fight for freedom against Russia and its senseless aggression. Denmark’s support for Ukraine is unwavering, and with the donation of F-16 fighters, Denmark is now leading the way,” Danish Defense Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen said in a statement.
Netherlands has 42 F-16s available
Neither the Dutch nor the Danes detailed when they would deliver the planes, or how many units, but Rutte said he hoped it would happen soon. The Dutch premier reported that the Netherlands has 42 F-16s available, but that it was too early to confirm how many would be donated.
The country and Denmark have these fighters at their disposal because they are making the transition to more modern fighters, the fifth-generation F-35s.
“The F-16s will not immediately help the war effort. In any case, it’s a long-term commitment from the Netherlands,” said the Dutchman. “We want them to be active and operational as soon as possible. Not next month, that’s impossible, but hopefully soon after.”
Zelenski said the announcement was a powerful message to his forces. “The F-16 will certainly give new energy, confidence and motivation to fighters and civilians. I’m sure it will bring new results for Ukraine and the whole of Europe,” he said.
Pilot training
The Dutch and Danish governments are involved in an 11-country coalition mobilized to train Ukrainian pilots to use the advanced fighters.
Zelenski refused to say how many Ukrainian pilots would be trained in Denmark and later in Romania, citing security reasons. However, Denmark said on Friday that the training will begin this month.
The authorities had previously said that Ukrainian pilots will need six to eight months of training.
Ukraine has older fighters, such as the Russian-made MiG29 and Sukhoi. The F-16s have newer technology and features and are considered more versatile.
bl (AP, ots)