Denmark has begun training the first group of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets, stated the Danish Armed Forces, The Guardian reports.
"Eight pilots have arrived at the Danish military air base in Skridstrup along with 65 military personnel who will be trained to maintain the aircraft," the statement said.
Denmark will supply Ukraine with 19 F-16 aircraft. The country has 43 F-16 fighters, but for security reasons does not disclose how many of them are in operation.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, has admitted that the EU will partially compensate for the costs of member states that will provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets.
According to the Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat, Ukraine needs about 128 fighter jets to gain air superiority and replace its old fleet.