“It may take months and years before the F-16s create a decisive operational effect”: the head of the Danish Air Force, Jan Dam

In Denmark, the training of the first 50 Ukrainian F-16 fighter maintenance specialists, which Ukraine is to receive soon, has been completed.

This was told by the head of the Danish Air Force Jan Dam, informs TV2.

Jan Dahm believes that the F-16s will have a positive impact on the situation on the battlefield, but will not fundamentally change it in the coming months. He emphasized the need to continuously build up the Ukrainian Air Force, provide it with the right ammunition and adapt to complex combat missions.

He added that the trained Ukrainian pilots will have fundamental air combat skills, but they will still need a lot of training in Ukraine. And it could be “months and years” before they create a “decisive operational effect.”

In total, about 100 Ukrainians are to be trained to maintain the F-16, including mechanics, weapons specialists and ground personnel for Ukrainian air bases. The first group of 50 specialists has already returned to Ukraine to prepare for receiving the planes. The next group will start their studies after the summer vacation.

In addition, Denmark plans to train about 20 Ukrainian F-16 pilots by the end of the year. According to the commander, the first pilots are close to completing their training.

The first of the 19 promised Danish F-16 aircraft will be delivered to Ukraine in the summer.