Denmark has begun training eight Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets of the Royal Danish Air Force.

The Danish Ministry of Defence reported on this on its website.

The training takes place at the air base in Skrydstrup, where the Danish Air Force’s fighter wing, consisting of the 727th and 730th squadrons, is stationed.

Moreover, 65 personnel will be trained in maintaining and servicing the jets.

Denmark will supply Ukraine with 19 F-16 fighter jets. It is not yet known which versions of the aircraft will be transferred.

The Danish Ministry of Defense announced the transfer of F-16 fighters on August 20, 2023.

“I am proud that Denmark, together with the Netherlands, will provide F16 fighter jets for Ukraine’s fight for freedom against Russia and its senseless aggression. Denmark’s support for Ukraine is unwavering, and with the transfer of F16 fighter jets, Denmark is now leading the way,” said Danish Defence Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen.

The first six fighters will fly from Denmark to Ukraine closer to the New Year. In total, the Royal Danish Air Force has 30 F-16AMs and 11 BMs in service.

In addition, Danish Defence Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen noted that Western fighter jets are provided only for combat operations against the invaders on the territory of Ukraine.

As Militarnyi previously reported, Sweden does not plan on transferring Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine because of the need for these aircraft in the Swedish Air Force.

According to Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, the country already has an insufficient number of these fighters in service to protect its borders.