Denmark bolsters Ukraine's Air Force with F‑16 fighter boost
Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced that Denmark has delivered 12 of the 19 promised F-16 fighters to Ukraine. The remaining aircraft are expected to arrive later this year. The F-16 fighters significantly enhance the Ukrainian Air Force's air defense and attack capabilities.
Denmark has partially fulfilled its commitment to Ukraine by providing 12 of the promised 19 F-16 fighters. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, speaking at the YES meeting in Kyiv organized by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation, 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 led to the decision to provide the fighters. He emphasized that Denmark and the Netherlands succeeded in executing this plan. "Europe should do more for our own security," Poulsen noted.
Poulsen also expressed his belief that Europe should increase its investments in military capabilities. He stressed the importance of strong ties between Ukraine and Europe and assured Denmark broadly supports 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 6.1-inch caliber, 6.1-inch artillery ammunition, air defense 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 predominantly operates the F-16AM/BM versions. These upgraded variants of the F-16A/B are adapted to modern combat standards. It is most likely that these aircraft were delivered to Ukrainian pilots.
It's worth recalling that the F-16 Fighting Falcon is an American single-seat, multi-role 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 49 feet, a wingspan of about 33 feet, and a height of roughly 16 feet. A single turbofan engine powers either the Pratt & Whitney F100 or the General Electric F110, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of approximately 1,500 mph and a combat range of up to about 340 miles. The maximum takeoff weight of the F-16 is nearly 37,500 pounds, with up to 12,000 pounds allocated for armament or additional fuel tanks.
The standard armament of the F-16 includes an M61A1 Vulcan six-barrel cannon with a caliber of 0.8 inches and a supply of 500 rounds. Furthermore, the aircraft has 11 hardpoints for carrying various air-to-air missiles like 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 its operational capabilities. These aircraft provide advanced features in air combat, precise ground attacks, 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.
