Around 20 Ukrainian pilots will be trained to fly F-16 fighter jets when the training mission at Skrydstrup Air Base concludes by the end of 2024. This was announced by Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen during a press conference with Norway’s Defense Minister, Bjørn Arild Gram. Poulsen explained that it will not be possible to continue training Ukrainian pilots in Denmark after 2024, as Skrydstrup’s capacity will be needed for Denmark’s transition to F-35 fighter jets.
Troels Lund Poulsen emphasized that Denmark will still be able to contribute to the training of Ukrainian pilots, but this will happen outside the country’s borders. Currently, some of the training takes place in Romania, but a final decision has not yet been made on how Denmark will contribute to this training effort in the future.
The international training coalition, led by Denmark and the Netherlands, has played a crucial role in educating Ukrainian pilots on the use of F-16 fighter jets. Denmark has also committed to donating 19 F-16 jets to Ukraine, with the first four expected to arrive this summer.
Norway is also committed to supporting Ukraine and has pledged to donate F-16 jets. Additionally, Norway is participating with two F-16 jets in the training of Ukrainian pilots at Skrydstrup Air Base.
During the press conference at the Ministry of Defense in Copenhagen, Troels Lund Poulsen and Norway’s Defense Minister signed a declaration of intent to increase cooperation in defense between the two countries. Poulsen highlighted the potential for closer collaboration between Denmark and Norway, especially regarding experiences with gender equality in the military and conscription. Denmark plans to introduce gender equality in conscription by 2026, while Norway has had this in place since 2015.