The Danish Armed Forces have begun training Ukrainian pilots

By Defense Command Denmark

Ukrainian pilots, technical specialists, and other support personnel have deployed to Skrydstrup Air Base. The group consists of 73 Ukrainians of which eight are pilots.

In the coming months they will go through training giving them the required basic skills needed in order to fly, service, and maintain the F-16 fighter jets.

In July, eleven countries agreed to form a coalition to provide the training now being spearheaded by the Danish Armed Forces. The coalition also includes the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, and the UK.

”The F-16 fighter jet is a prized asset, and the Danish Armed Forces obviously stand ready to support the Ukrainians in whatever way we can. The Royal Danish Air Force is extremely skilled and competent, and has flown F-16s for many years. I have absolute confidence in Fighter Wing Skrydstrup taking on this complicated task,” says General Flemming Lentfer, Chief of the Danish Armed Forces.

Skills to be trained

Before initiating the actual training, all Ukrainian personnel must go through a security-clearance process. Furthermore, they have to complete a health check, and go through English-language screening to ascertain whether they have the proficiency to complete the training program conducted in English.

Once all the initial aspects are in place, the practical F-16 training will commence. This will take place in Skrydstrup, and will be run by Danish instructors. It is expected that other nations will participate in the effort in as well.

Training is estimated to go on for at least six months. Currently it is difficult to establish a more accurate timeline, since training time required will depend on pilots’ experience and English-language skills.

Training will not impact Danish F-16 readiness

Although the training of Ukrainian pilots and support personnel will be carried out by the Royal Danish Air Force (and a number of civilian and Armed Forces agencies), the expectation is that this activity will not have operational repercussions.

The Danish Armed Forces have no further information at present. In order to focus fully on the training at hand, it will not be possible for individual media or reporters to visit Skrydstrup air base.

Questions concerning the Danish donation of F-16 fighters should be referred to the Danish MoD.

Currently the Danish Armed Forces command a fleet of 43 F-16s. For security reasons, the Danish Armed Forces do not wish to comment on the number of operational aircraft.