According to the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, her country plans to transfer F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the summer.
What is known about the delay in the transfer of F-16 fighters
During a joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Frederiksen noted that the delay in transferring the F-16 was due to technical issues.
We are all very happy that Denmark is going to provide these fighters in cooperation with the Netherlands, Belgium and the USA. This is a very powerful weapon. I hope that we will be able to see the F-16 in the airspace of Ukraine in the near future, even before summer, — said the Danish PM.
Frederiksen stressed that technical issues need to be resolved, which is why the delivery of the F-16 to Ukraine is being delayed.
The only reason why we are delayed with the transfer of F-16 to Ukraine is simply a technical reason, a technical point. Because a serious infrastructure is needed to maintain these fighters, as well as training for the F-16 is much longer and longer than for any other weapon systems, — noted the Danish PM.
Frederiksen also reminded that the training of Ukrainian pilots started in August, and it is going "very well and quickly."
What is known about the agreement security guarantees between Ukraine and Denmark
In the signed agreement security guarantees between Ukraine and Denmark, the latter undertakes to hold consultations with Ukraine on strategic issues and provide support on an ongoing basis.
Denmark will continue to support Ukraine during the ten-year term of this agreement, the text of the agreement states.
This year, Ukraine should receive from Denmark at least 1.8 billion euros from the Danish fund to support Kyiv in 2023-2028 for a total of 8.5 billion euros.
Ukraine undertakes to implement the reforms identified by the EU, the IMF, and NATO, which cover, in particular, governance, transparency, the fight against corruption, and democratic control over Ukraine's security and defence forces.
Implementing these reforms by Ukraine is critical to its aspirations to the EU and NATO.
This Security Commitment Agreement will cover
current, planned and future contributions to the defence of Ukraine,
its stability and future deterrence of Russian aggression.
The agragreementso states that Denmark will support efforts to ensure an integrated F-16 capability through the air force coalition, including by providing fighters, munitions, simulators and training, as well as contributing to the long-term maintenance of the fighters and the creation of appropriate conditions in Ukraine
Denmark's support will include short-term military needs and long-term capacity building of Ukraine's future defence forces.
This will be achieved by providing continuous military support in various areas in coordination and cooperation with relevant international partners and institutions, focusing on:
Air Force and Air Defence;
maritime security;
demining;
technologies and drones,
other key capabilities and urgent needs of Ukraine.
Ukraine and Denmark will cooperate in the defence sphere.
Denmark will support the development of Ukraine's defence industry, mainly through investments, information exchange, joint research and development, and production.
Moreover, the participants will work on identifying the sources of financing necessary for the development of Ukraine's defence industrial base, including investments and financial assistance, particularly during the war and post-war reconstruction.
The countries will also strengthen cooperation in the field of intelligence.
Denmark will support the development of Ukraine's defence industry, mainly through investments, information exchange, joint research and development, and production.
Moreover, the participants will work on identifying the sources of financing necessary for the development of Ukraine's defence industrial base, including investments and financial assistance, particularly during the war and post-war reconstruction.
In the event of a repeated Russian attack on Ukraine, Denmark will, in accordance with its legal and constitutional requirements, provide prompt and permanent security assistance, modern military equipment on land, sea and air, as well as economic assistance to impose economic and other costs on Russia , and will consult on the needs of Ukraine during its exercise of its right to self-defense, enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter.
