Images released by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky show Ukrainian service members training to fly F-16 fighter jets in Denmark. The footage appeared on the president’s personal Telegram channel as part of his update to the nation.
In the caption accompanying the clip, Zelensky noted that citizens across Ukraine are waiting to see the first F-16s enter Ukrainian airspace. He stated that these fighters would extend the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s reach and bolster efforts to shield populated areas from threats.
“I am grateful to the F-16 coalition for moving this day closer, while our pilots and maintenance crews continue their training,” the head of state said, highlighting ongoing cooperation with partner nations. The video also lists the coalition countries involved in supplying the jets, which totals fourteen nations, including the United States and Denmark.
During a February 22 update from the Danish Ministry of Defense, it was announced that Denmark plans to transfer the initial F-16s to Ukraine later this summer. The exact delivery timeline will depend on the outcomes of pilot training and on Ukraine’s capacity to accommodate the aircraft, including the necessary infrastructure at air bases and maintenance facilities. [Citation: Danish Ministry of Defense]
Earlier, former U.S. military intelligence analyst Scott Ritter questioned the pace of Western decisions to provide F-16s to Ukraine, pondering why the delivery has been slower than some observers expected. [Citation: Analysis by Scott Ritter and subsequent commentary]