Denmark strengthens Ukraine's Air Force with F‑16 delivery
Denmark has delivered 12 of the 19 promised F-16 fighters to Ukraine, with the remaining aircraft expected to reach the country later this year, the Danish Defence Minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, announced. These F-16 fighters significantly enhance the air defence and attack capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force.
Denmark has fulfilled part of its commitment to Ukraine by providing 12 of the promised 19 F-16 fighters. Minister Poulsen confirmed that the remaining aircraft would be delivered this year during the YES meeting in Kyiv, organized by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation.
Danish support for Ukraine
According to the Interfax-Ukraine news agency, during the event, Minister Poulsen recalled the lengthy discussions that preceded the decision to provide the fighters. He emphasized that Denmark and the Netherlands succeeded in executing this plan. "We must do even more. Europe should be more engaged," Poulsen noted.
Poulsen also argued that Europe should increase its investments in military potential. He stressed the importance of strong ties between Ukraine and Europe and assured Denmark of its broad support for Ukraine. It is worth noting that the total value of Danish military support for Ukraine has already exceeded one billion euros. In addition to F-16 fighters, Denmark has provided Ukraine with Caesar self-propelled howitzers with a 155 mm caliber, 155 mm artillery ammunition, air defence systems, demining equipment, and drones.
F-16 fighters strengthen Ukrainian Air Force
Although the exact variant of the transferred aircraft has not been officially disclosed, the Danish Air Force has predominantly operated the F-16AM/BM versions, which are upgraded variants of the F-16A/B, adapted to modern combat standards. It is most likely these aircraft have been delivered to Ukrainian pilots.
It is worth recalling that the F-16 Fighting Falcon is an American single-seat multirole fighter jet designed by General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin). Since being introduced into service in the 1970s, it has become one of the most popular combat aircraft in the world, used by air forces in over 20 countries.
The F-16 has a length of about 15 metres, a wingspan of about 10 metres, and a height of roughly 5 metres. A single turbofan engine powers it, either the Pratt & Whitney F100 or the General Electric F110, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of approximately 2,414 km/h and a combat range of up to about 547 km. The maximum takeoff weight of the F-16 is nearly 17,000 kg, with up to 5,443 kg allocated for armament or additional fuel tanks.
The standard armament of the F-16 includes an M61A1 Vulcan six-barrel cannon with a calibre of 20 mm and a supply of 500 rounds. Furthermore, the aircraft has 11 hardpoints, allowing the carriage of various air-to-air missiles, such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder or AIM-120 AMRAAM, and air-to-surface missiles, including the AGM-65 Maverick. It can also be equipped with laser-guided and GPS-guided bombs like the GBU-12 Paveway II or JDAM.
Integrating F-16s into the Ukrainian Air Force significantly boosts their operational capabilities. These aircraft offer advanced capabilities in air combat, precise ground attack objectives, and reconnaissance missions. Additionally, integrating F-16s with the Ukrainian arsenal enables the use of a wide range of Western weaponry, increasing the flexibility and efficiency of combat operations.
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