The Danish government’s statements that the first F-16 fighter jets could land in Ukraine around the turn of the year were probably too optimistic. The Ministry of Defense in Copenhagen has now announced that the six promised pilots could only be deployed in the second quarter.
Some conditions for the deployment of the F-16 have not yet been met, the Ministry of Defense has now announced. This concerns, for example, the training of Ukrainian pilots. The schedule depends on factors such as material and weather conditions.
Pilot training is underway
Six Ukrainian pilots are currently being trained in Denmark. Experts point out that pilot training is just one element that must be accomplished for a successful operation. Technicians and other ground staff should also be trained. It is also about logistics chains for ammunition and spare parts, but also about the physical conditions at the airports.
Denmark was the only member of the so-called F-16 coalition of countries that had promised Ukraine the fighter jets a date for the transfer. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced a total of 19 machines. The Netherlands wants to deliver 18 jets, but has not yet given a timetable.
The Netherlands, Belgium and Norway are also part of the coalition
There have also been commitments from Belgium and Norway, but there is no information yet about the quantities. The international coalition continues to work to ensure that the necessary logistics and infrastructure are built in Ukraine, the Danish Ministry of Defense emphasizes.
Is a new Russian offensive coming?
After the Ukrainian counter-offensive turned into a more or less defensive operation, US military experts are now warning of a possible new Russian offensive in northeastern Ukraine. “Russian forces may increase their efforts to capture Kupyansk in the Kharkov region in the coming weeks,” analysts from the US Institute for the Study of War wrote in their report on Friday evening (local time). According to them, the units stationed there are less exhausted than the Russian troops attacking elsewhere.
Source: Krone
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