Denmark's transfer of the first six F-16 aircraft to Ukraine will be delayed by up to half a year,
the Danish Ministry of Defence informed Berlingske on Saturday.
It was expected that the six planes would leave for Ukraine around New Year.
With the current schedule, however, it is expected that the transfer will take place in the second quarter of 2024, according to the Ministry of Defence.
According to the ministry, a number of conditions have not yet been met for Ukraine to be able to use the donated combat aircraft.
It is not clear exactly what circumstances have caused the first schedule to slip, writes Berlingske.
- Among other things, it concerns finishing the training of the Ukrainian personnel who will operate the planes after the donation. The schedule for the training also depends on several factors such as equipment and weather conditions, the Ministry of Defense informs the newspaper.
- In addition, work continues in the international air force coalition to ensure that the necessary logistics and infrastructure are put in place in Ukraine.
Six Ukrainian pilots are currently training on F-16 aircraft in Denmark.