2023-08-21 03:46:40
Ukraine may soon see F-16s in its skies. This Sunday, Amsterdam and Copenhagen promise to send these “unparalleled” American fighter planes to kyiv, two days after the American green light.
“The Netherlands and Denmark are committed to transferring F-16s to Ukraine once the conditions for such a transfer are met,” said Mark Rutte, alongside President Zelensky. The transfer conditions include the training of Ukrainian pilots on these aircraft. This training carried out by a coalition of 11 countries begins this month.
In May the Netherlands announced that it would train Ukrainian military personnel for the deployment of F-16 aircraft. Today we can announce that the Netherlands and Denmark commit to transfer those F-16s to Ukraine as soon as the necessary conditions have been met. We are… pic.twitter.com/2XeBlCFJR9
— Mark Rutte (@MinPres) August 20, 2023
On X (formerly Twitter), the Dutch Prime Minister wanted to reaffirm his support for Ukraine. “This step is a clear signal: that we will continue to support Ukraine. No matter what it costs, as long as it takes.” For his part, the Ukrainian president evokes the delivery at the end of the agreement of “42 jets” considering that “this is only the beginning”.
American green light
This Friday, a spokesman for the US State Department said that the two European states had received “formal assurances” to deliver the planes. “This way, Ukraine will be able to take full advantage of its new capabilities as soon as the first group of pilots have completed their training. “Said the spokesperson, before adding that the” F-16 will contribute to the defense and deterrence capabilities of Ukraine. »
Volodymyr Zelensky continues his European tour. After Sweden and the Netherlands, it’s Denmark’s turn this Sunday afternoon. According to a statement from the Danish State Ministry, he will be welcomed by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at the military army base in Skrydstrup. “They will see the F-16 fighter jets and receive an update on the start of Ukrainian pilot training,” the statement said.
For now, no date for the delivery of the Dutch and Danish F-16s. Officials hope the pilots will be ready by early 2024.
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