Ukraine conflict: Denmark, Netherlands pledge F-16s for Kyiv

A Royal Danish Air Force F-16BM participated in the recent Royal International Air Tattoo in the UK. This aircraft, along with others from Denmark and the Netherlands, is to be transferred to Ukraine. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)

Denmark and the Netherlands have pledged to transfer Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft to Kyiv, with a joint communiqué announcing the proposed transfer on 20 August.

The two F-16 operators made their announcement some six weeks after they disclosed in mid-July their membership in a coalition of European NATO (and Sweden) countries that would train Ukrainian pilots and maintainers on the F-16 and potentially other combat aircraft types.

“In light of Russia's brutal and unprovoked aggression, Denmark and the Netherlands, supported by the US, share the conviction that continued support to Ukraine is of [the] utmost importance,” the joint statement said. “Taking note of the establishment of the joint coalition on F-16 training, we agree that the natural next step will be the transfer of F-16 fighter aircraft. [The] donation of aircraft will be vital for efforts related to ensuring Ukraine [has] a fully functional F-16 capability.

“We agree to transfer F-16 aircraft to Ukraine and the Ukrainian Air Force in close co-operation with the US and other partners when the conditions for such a transfer are met. Conditions include, but are not limited to, successfully selected, tested, and trained Ukrainian F-16 personnel as well as necessary authorisations, infrastructure, and logistics.

“In parallel with these efforts, we aim to broaden our coalition, and we invite other interested nations to participate. We remain strongly committed to Ukraine's fight for freedom and territorial integrity.”

The announcement did not provide a timeline for the transfer of aircraft to Ukraine.