Netherlands, Denmark to deliver F-16 jets to Ukraine, but number unknown
The Netherlands and Denmark have not yet announced how many F-16 fighter jets they will deliver to Ukraine, but both countries have confirmed that they will provide the aircraft.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that it is "too early to say" how many F-16s will be transferred, as the Netherlands has 42 of the jets in its inventory. The Danish air force has about 30 F-16s, which will be retired as the country switches to more modern F-35 jets.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a message on social media that the Netherlands will deliver 42 F-16s, but it is not clear if this is the final number.
The training of Ukrainian pilots to operate F-16s has already begun, and will take place in Denmark and Romania. It will take at least six months to train pilots, and possibly longer to train engineers and mechanics as well.
Ukraine does not expect to be able to use F-16s this fall or winter, but the jets will be a significant boost to the country's air defences once they are operational.
