The delivery of the first Danish F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine has been delayed by up to six months. It is now expected that the six planes will not be able to be sent to the country torn by the Russian invasion until the second quarter of this year, the Ministry of Defense in Copenhagen told the “Berlingske” newspaper. Announcing the plans in the summer, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen had expressed hope that the fighters could be delivered around the turn of the year.
However, some conditions for the deployment of the F-16 have not yet been met, according to the Ministry of Defense. These include the training of Ukrainian pilots. The schedule depends on factors such as equipment and weather conditions. Currently, six Ukrainian pilots are being trained in Denmark. Experts say pilot training is only one component of a successful mission. Mechanics and other ground staff also need to be trained. It is also about the logistics chains of ammunition and spare parts, as well as about the physical conditions at airfields.
Denmark was the only country in the so-called F-16 coalition to have promised the planes to Ukraine, and the only one to give a date when they would be delivered. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen had announced 19 planes. The Netherlands wants to deliver 18 planes, but has not yet specified a timetable. Belgium and Norway have also pledged but have not yet specified the amount. The international coalition remains determined to ensure that the necessary logistics and infrastructure are established in Ukraine, the Danish Ministry of Defense emphasized.
2024-01-07 07:40:58
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