Netherlands and Denmark to provide F-16s to Ukraine.

The Netherlands and Denmark to Provide F-16​ Fighter Jets⁤ to Ukraine

The Netherlands ⁢and Denmark⁣ have⁣ made a significant announcement, pledging ⁣to provide Ukraine ⁤with F-16 fighter aircraft. This ⁢move ⁢has been hailed as‌ “historic” by‌ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who expressed​ his gratitude to these European allies for their‍ support⁢ in Ukraine’s fight against⁣ Russia’s aggression.

“It makes me 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 ​aircraft, Denmark is now leading the way,” Danish Defense Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen said in a statement.

The Danish Ministry ​of Foreign Affairs confirmed that they will gradually provide 19 F-16s, while Dutch ‌Prime​ Minister Mark Rutte mentioned that the Netherlands has 42 F-16s available. However, it is unclear if all of them will ⁤be‌ provided to Ukraine.

This agreement is considered the most important yet for Ukraine, as it marks the first country to ⁤agree to⁢ provide F-16s after training. The Ukrainian ⁢air force⁣ has identified 32 pilots for F-16 training, but ⁤only eight of‌ them are proficient in English, which is necessary for the complex training. The remaining pilots will undergo an English language training⁤ program in the U.K. before starting the aircraft​ training.

Ukraine has been seeking fourth-generation aircraft from its Western allies for months, and President Joe Biden recently approved their request. The Ukrainian⁤ leaders ​believe that establishing air superiority over the battlefield will greatly enhance their‌ counteroffensive efforts against Russia.

With the support of ‍the Netherlands and Denmark, Ukraine is one step ⁣closer‌ to achieving its goal of⁣ air superiority and defending its freedom⁣ against Russian aggression.