Summary

  • Denmark & Netherlands are donating F-16s to Ukraine this summer.
  • Ukraine has secured commitments for more than 70 F-16s.
  • Countries like Norway and Belgium are also contributing.

Earlier this week, it emerged that the first batch of F-16 fighter jet aircraft from Denmark and the Netherlands are undergoing preparations to be transferred to Ukraine this summer.

The news comes on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington on Wednesday, in which US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also promised a new robust package for Ukraine that would be publicly unveiled over the next few days, paving the way for the country’s NATO membership.

F-16s to Ukraine this summer

Danish F-16 aircraft in the sky

Photo: Defense Command Denmark

In a joint statement published on Wednesday, co-leaders of the Air Force Capability Coalition (AFCC) for Ukraine comprising US President Joe Biden, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen confirmed that the first batch of the F-16s are being prepared for delivery. The statement reads:

The Danish and Dutch governments are in the process of donating American-made F-16s to Ukraine, with the support of the United States.

The transfer process for these F-16s is now underway, and Ukraine will be flying operational F-16s this summer. We are unable to provide additional details at this time due to operational security concerns.

This echoes Blinken’s comments at the NATO summit, at which he also said that the jets would help Ukraine “continue to effectively defend itself against the Russian aggression.”

A group of countries, led by the Netherlands, Denmark, and later the US, committed to start training Ukrainian pilots on F-16s last year. The joint statement reiterated this pledge to “enhance operational effectiveness.”

70+ F-16s incoming

Several countries have already indicated ambitions or fully-fledged promises to donate F-16 aircraft to Ukraine, as listed below.

Country

Amount

Denmark

19

The Netherlands

24

Norway

6

Belgium

30

Denmark and the Netherlands have been key players in the international AFCC group in pushing for F-16 deliveries to Ukraine. They hope these deliveries will help enhance the country’s capabilities in light of Russian aggression.

A Norwegian F-16 pictured at the pilot training centre in Denmark

Photo: Norwegian Armed Forces

The Ministers of Defence for Denmark, the Netherlands and Ukraine met on Wednesday to discuss the transfer of the first F-16s. The Ukrainian representative, Rustem Umerov, said on social media that the country was “preparing to meet modern fighter jets in the Ukrainian skies.”

Related

Recap: Which Military Aircraft Have Been Sent Or Pledged To Ukraine?

Ukraine has received or been pledged over 100 fighter jets from Western allies, including Soviet-era and Western-built fighter jets.

The latest news from the summit also provide some relief to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy who has been trying to get his hands on western jets to better counter Russia’s air capabilities and complement its own ageing Soviet air force fleet.

Norwegian and Belgian involvement

On Wednesday, Norway also officially confirmed it would be providing six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, with deliveries also beginning this year. It had already committed to doing so last year, but had not confirmed a timeline nor set a figure for the amount of aircraft until now. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the following in a release:

“Combined with air defence systems, the fighter jets will be vital to enabling the Ukrainians to defend themselves against Russian air attacks. Norway has taken part in the training of Ukrainian fighter pilots in Denmark since autumn 2023, and will continue to support training activities moving forward.”

A Belgian F-16 aircraft in the sky

Photo: Belgium Air Force

Belgium also committed to supplying 30 fighter jets, which would ultimately make it the largest donor of F-16s once deliveries are completed. Prime Minister Alexander De Croo agreed on the plan in May, on the condition that the aircraft do not enter Russian territory. He said:

“On utilization of weapons, everything which is covered by this agreement is very clear, it is for utilization by the Ukraine Defense Forces on Ukraine[’s] territory.”

Related

Ukrainian Air Force Confirms Plans To Keep F-16s Out Of Russia’s Reach

Ukraine will keep some reserve F-16 fighter jets in third countries, out of Russian reach, while not actively using them in combat.

Belgium has committed to providing all the aircraft before 2028. Whether the F-16s will have the desired impact immediately is another story, as the aircraft are gradually inducted and pilots complete the necessary training.

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