Ukraine Secures First Real F-16 Deal Amidst Diplomatic Visits from Dutch and Danish Prime Ministers

In Brief: During visits by the Prime Ministers of the Netherlands and Denmark, Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy announced a groundbreaking deal involving the supply of F-16 fighter jets. The agreement, coming shortly after the United States approved fighter jet deliveries to the Netherlands and Denmark, is seen as a pivotal moment for Ukraine’s defense capabilities and its stance against Russian aggression.

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During diplomatic visits from the Prime Ministers of the Netherlands and Denmark, Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy unveiled a momentous development in Ukraine’s defense capabilities – a historic agreement for the acquisition of F-16 fighter jets. This landmark deal follows the recent approval by the United States for the delivery of fighter jets to both the Netherlands and Denmark.

Describing the decision as a “turning point,” President Zelenskiy emphasized the significance of this agreement, asserting that the F-16 fighter jets would significantly bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and extend support to Kiev against potential threats, particularly in response to Russia’s incursion in 2022.

As part of the agreement, Denmark is set to supply a total of 19 F-16 aircraft to Ukraine. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen disclosed that the initial batch of 6 jets will be delivered by the start of the new year, followed by 8 in 2024 and 5 more in 2025.

Meanwhile, the details of the Netherlands’ contribution to Ukraine’s defense remain to be clarified. Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced during President Zelenskiy’s visit that the Netherlands possesses 42 F-16 fighter jets; however, the exact number that will be supplied to Ukraine has yet to be determined.

Both the Netherlands and Denmark have been providing extensive F-16 training to Ukrainian pilots for months. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov stated on Saturday that Ukrainian pilots have commenced their training on the F-16 fighter jets. However, the training for engineers and technicians is expected to last at least six months, if not longer.

The acquisition of these advanced fighter jets marks a significant stride in Ukraine’s defense readiness and is set to play a pivotal role in strengthening the nation’s deterrence capabilities against potential adversaries. The geopolitical implications of this deal underscore the international community’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.