Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky yesterday praised the “historic” decision of the Netherlands and Denmark to deliver a total of 61 F-16 (Lockheed Martin) fighter jets to the Air Force of his country, two days after the green light from the USA.

“Our fighters will receive 42 super fighter jets” from the Netherlands, the head of state said via X (the former Twitter), thanking Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

These 42 aircraft are in addition to the 19 that Denmark announced it would offer. Copenhagen and Amsterdam, which hosted the Ukrainian president at the weekend, pledged to make the fighters available to Kiev once training of Ukrainian pilots is complete.

Mr. Zelensky was received in the afternoon by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Foreign Minister Lars Loke Rasmussen and Defense Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen.

During the visit, they inspected F-16s and discussed the start of training of Ukrainian pilots, the services of Prime Minister Frederiksen clarified.

“We know you need more [σ.σ. οπλικά συστήματα] and for this (…) we decided to donate 19 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine,” said Mrs. Frederiksen during a joint press conference with President Zelensky.

The fighters will be delivered progressively: six at the end of the year, eight in 2024, five in 2025, the head of the Danish capital clarified.

“This is very strong support,” Mr Zelensky said at the same press conference, adding that training for pilots and maintainers had already started in Denmark.

A few hours earlier, the Ukrainian president was at an air force base in Eindhoven during which Mark Rutte formalized the delivery of F-16s to Ukraine.

Mr. Rutte clarified that the Netherlands at this stage has 42 fighters of the type it will offer to Ukraine, but will discuss with other partners to determine the number of fighters that Kiev will receive.

“It is (…) a historic, strong” step, which “boosts our morale”, it is a “new step towards the strengthening of Ukraine’s air shield”, replied Mr. Zelensky.

Training of Ukrainian pilots in the US-made multi-role fighter has begun by an alliance of Western nations. Its main stage is expected to be completed around late 2023 or early 2024.