Denmark bolsters Ukrainian Air Force with F‑16 fighter delivery
Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced that Denmark had delivered 12 of the 19 promised F-16 fighters to Ukraine. The remaining aircraft are expected to reach the country later this year. The F-16 fighters significantly enhance the Ukrainian Air Force's air defence and attack capabilities.
Denmark has fulfilled part of its commitment to Ukraine by providing 12 of the promised 19 F-16 fighters. During the YES meeting in Kyiv organised by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation, Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen confirmed that the remaining aircraft would be delivered this year.
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 emphasised that Denmark and the Netherlands succeeded in executing this plan. "Europe should do more for our own security," Poulsen noted.
Poulsen also expressed the conviction that Europe should increase its investments in military potential. He stressed the importance of strong ties between Ukraine and Europe and assured broad support from Denmark 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 also provided Ukraine with Caesar self-propelled howitzers with a 155 mm calibre, 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, and 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). 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 twenty 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 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 547 km. The maximum takeoff weight of the F-16 is nearly 17,010 kg, with up to 5,443 kilograms allocated for armament or additional fuel tanks.
The F-16's standard armament includes an M61A1 Vulcan six-barrel cannon with a 20 mm calibre and a supply of 500 rounds. Furthermore, the aircraft has 11 hardpoints, allowing it to carry 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 boost 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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