ALBAWABA - Video showing Ukrainian pilots exercising on F-16 fighter jets in Denmark was recently presented by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Dated February 2024 and posted to the president's Telegram channel, the video captures the country's excitement over the impending arrival of Ukrainian F-16s.
Zelenskyy spoke on behalf of all Ukrainians when he said that they are waiting with bated breath for the first Ukrainian F-16s to arrive, highlighting the importance of these planes in protecting Ukrainian cities and towns and strengthening the Ukrainian military. He praised the F-16 coalition's work in reaching this goal and brought attention to the continuing training efforts of Ukrainian pilots and troops.
The F-16 fighter jets provided by Denmark will appear in Ukraine's skies by the summer of this year, with the delay being due solely to technical issues.
Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen said this in Lviv at a joint press conference with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky after signing a bilateral security agreement, a Ukrainian correspondent reports.
"The only reason why we are delaying the transfer of F-16s to Ukraine is simply a technical reason, a technical point. Because we need a serious infrastructure to maintain these fighters, and training for F-16s is much longer and more extensive than for any other weapon system," the Prime Minister said.
"Our combat experience is truly invaluable, but still, this is a very condensed training program,” pilot Moonfish said.
The F-16s are more maneuverable than other jets, encouraging a more aggressive approach, he added.
Ukraine initially found the technology unclear and challenging to integrate, having previously lacked access to such advanced modern systems, technical specialist Ihor explained. Once the technology is understood, it "greatly simplifies the work."
As reported by Ukrinform, President Volodymyr Zelensky at a joint press conference with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Lviv stressed that Denmark played a key role in unblocking the decision to supply F-16 fighters to Ukraine, and our country is grateful for "every manifestation of Danish support."
