Eight Ukrainian pilots begin F-16 training in Denmark

Denmark has begun training eight Ukrainian pilots in flying F-16 fighter jets as part of its commitment to donate jets to Ukraine.

Denmark and the Netherlands on August 20 pledged to donate F-16s to Ukraine, fulfilling a longstanding wish by Ukraine that it says will help strengthen air defences and help its counter-offensive against Russia's 2022 invasion, the Danish armed forces said on August 22, Reuters reports.

The eight pilots have arrived at the Danish military air base in Skrydstrup along with 65 personnel who will be trained in maintaining and servicing the jets, the Danish armed forces said in a statement.

Greece will also take part in the training of Ukrainian air force pilots for F-16 jets, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on August 21.

Denmark will supply Ukraine with 19 F-16 jets and will deliver the first six jets around New Year.

The Netherlands, which has 42 F-16s, has yet to decide how many jets it will supply to Ukraine.

Denmark currently has 43 F-16 jets and will for safety reasons not disclose how many of them are active, the Danish statement said.