Denmark will conclude its program for training Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets on Danish soil by the end of 2024, Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced at a joint press conference with his Norwegian counterpart Bjørn Arild Gram on Jun. 24.
Minister Poulsen cited the need to prioritize the upcoming transition to F-35 fighter jets for the Danish Air Force as the reason for ending Ukrainian pilot training at Skrydstrup Air Base. This transition will require full utilization of the base’s resources.
The program’s conclusion doesn’t mark an end to Danish support for Ukrainian fighter pilot training. Denmark remains committed to contributing to the effort, but the location will shift outside of Denmark. Romania currently hosts another training program for Ukrainian pilots, and details regarding Denmark’s potential involvement there remain undetermined.
Denmark has emerged as a leading figure in international efforts to bolster Ukraine’s air force with F-16s. In addition to spearheading the training program alongside the Netherlands, Denmark pledged 19 decommissioned F-16s to Ukraine. The first four of these aircraft are expected to arrive in Ukraine this summer.
Similar to Denmark, Norway has pledged F-16 fighter jets for Ukraine’s defense and is actively involved in pilot training for the Ukrainians at Skrydstrup Air Base by providing two F-16 aircraft.
The press conference also revealed a signed declaration of intent by both Defense Ministers to enhance cooperation between Denmark and Norway. Minister Poulsen highlighted areas with “unrealized cooperation potential,” including exchanging experiences on gender equality initiatives within their armed forces, specifically related to conscription. While Denmark aims to achieve gender parity in conscription by 2026, Norway has already implemented this policy since 2015.
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