Ukrainian pilots are already flying F-16s in Denmark

Some Ukrainian pilots are already undergoing flight training on F-16 fighter jets in Denmark.

Yurii Ihnat, Spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force, reported on this.

These flights are conducted with instructors and are carried out on two-seater aircraft.

According to Ihnat, prior to getting into the F-16 cockpit, Ukrainian pilots flew light-engine aircraft, which helped pilots transition to a new type of fighter jet easier.

“Now, there are already flights with an instructor. Every day, the number of Ukrainian pilots who are trained and perform the tasks set by the instructor may increase,” Ihnat reported.

The next stage of Ukrainian training will include the transition to independent flights.

“And then, accordingly, flights for combat use to learn to fight on this aircraft,” Ihnat explained.

In addition to the pilots studying in Denmark, Ukrainians are also being trained in the United States and the United Kingdom, the Air Force spokesman said. Not only pilots, but also ground personnel, officers of the combat management and aviation engineering service are trained there.

Denmark, along with the Netherlands, leads a coalition of countries that train Ukrainian pilots and personnel. The countries pledged to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets free of charge.

In August, eight Ukrainian pilots began training on F-16 combat aircraft in Denmark. The training takes place at the air base in Skrydstrup, where the Danish Air Force’s fighter wing, consisting of the 727th and 730th squadrons, is stationed. Moreover, 65 personnel will be trained in maintaining and servicing the jets.

Denmark will supply Ukraine with 19 F-16 fighter jets. It is not yet announced which versions of the aircraft will be transferred. The first Danish combat aircraft are expected to arrive in Ukraine in the first quarter of 2024.

In total, the Royal Danish Air Force has 30 F-16AMs and 11 BMs in service.