Denmark postpones the delivery of F-16s to Ukraine due to the Ukrainian pilots' lack of readiness.

Denmark, alongside the Netherlands, had committed to sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to aid in their defense against Russia's invasion, starting from February 2022. However, Denmark now plans to deliver these F-16s to Ukraine in the third quarter of 2024. The delay is attributed to various factors, including the readiness of Ukrainian pilots, logistical sufficiency, and infrastructure requirements for aircraft maintenance in Ukraine.

According to reports, the training of Ukrainian pilots to operate F-16s is ongoing. The United States estimates that more Ukrainian pilots may be prepared to operate the aircraft by late summer 2024. Denmark and Belgium remain dedicated to training Ukrainian pilots, utilizing their F-16s in training centers situated in Denmark. Some Ukrainian pilots are actively flying F-16s in Danish airspace, while others are undergoing training in the United Kingdom, starting with English language instruction.

Both Denmark and Belgium are expecting the delivery of their new fleets of F-35s, aiming to replace their aging fleets of F-16s. However, delays in the integration of TR-3 into Block 4 of the combat aircraft in the United States have postponed the delivery of these fifth-generation fighters.