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​F-16 Jets From the Netherlands, Denmark Are Already on Their Way to Ukraine

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The long-awaited U.S.-built F-16 fighter jets are already on their way to Ukraine / Illustrative photo
The long-awaited U.S.-built F-16 fighter jets are already on their way to Ukraine / Illustrative photo

Ukraine will soon receive F-16 aircraft, as the first batch of F-16 fighter jets are already being transferred to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands

Such a statement was made by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken at the NATO Public Forum on July 10, Reuters reports.

"I'm also pleased to announce that as we speak, the transfer of F-16 jets is underway, coming from Denmark, coming from the Netherlands," Blinken said.

Read more: Ukrainian Air Force Explains How F-16 Fighters Protection at Airfields Will Be Implemented

Anthony Blinken noted that the fighters will be flying over Ukrainian skies this summer.

"And those jets...will be flying in the skies of Ukraine this summer to make sure that Ukraine can continue to effectively defend itself against the Russian aggression," the US Secretary of State emphasized.

The American official also added that a "robust package for Ukraine" will be unveiled over the next couple of days that will build a clear and strong bridge for Ukraine's NATO membership.

F-16 Jets From the Netherlands, Denmark Are Already on Their Way to Ukraine, Defense Express
Danish fighter jets will help protect the Ukrainian sky and the Ukrainian people and be able to help Ukraine return its lands Photo credit: Office of the President of Ukraine

It is worth noting that on July 10, in an evening video message, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he continues to work in Washington and announced an increase in the supply of F-16 fighter jets as well as air defense systems to Ukraine.

It will be recalled that President Volodymyr Zelenskyi said after meeting with the Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen on the sidelines of the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland that F-16 fighter jets from Denmark will arrive in Ukraine in the near future. At that time, the final stage of preparation for the transfer of Danish aircraft for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was taking place.

F-16 Jets From the Netherlands, Denmark Are Already on Their Way to Ukraine, Defense Express
The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte against the background of an F-16 of the Air Force of the Netherlands, August 2023 / Photo credit: Office of the President of Ukraine

As Defense Express reported, earlier Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren announced that the first Dutch F-16 fighter jets would soon be sent to Ukraine, as the necessary export license had already been issued. We also wrote, that Czechia Prepared to Assist Ukraine in Training Pilots for F-16 and Gripen Jets.

Read more: ​How Can Non-Working F-16 Fighters Be Useful for Ukraine?