Situation on the brink of conflict: Denmark allowed the use of F-16s for strikes against Russia

Denmark, which is donating F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, does not object to attacks on targets on Russian territory. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that Ukrainian forces could use Danish weapons outside their territory.

Support for Ukraine and transfer of F-16 fighters

This month the Danish government announced a new military aid package, including air defense systems and funding for the transfer of F-16 fighter jets. A certain part of the funds from this package will be used to prepare Danish F-16AM/AB fighters for delivery to Ukraine. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen explained that Ukraine can use the transferred weapons, including outside its borders, if this is in accordance with international law.

This position of Denmark indicates that the situation is on the brink of a conflict between Russia and the West.

Strengthening Ukrainian air defense

Before a working meeting on Ukrainian defense issues in Prague, Mette Frederiksen emphasized the need to strengthen Ukraine's air defense system. She welcomed Germany's decision to provide the Patriot system and called on other countries to follow suit. In her opinion, Europe should provide Ukraine with more air defense systems and missiles to strengthen its defense.

Ukrainian F-16 fighters, which Denmark plans to transfer in the summer of 2024, will become quite a serious threat, especially considering this fact. that along with the fighters, long-range weapons will also be transferred. Eight Ukrainian tactical aviation pilots began training in Denmark in August 2023 at Skrydstrup Air Base, where the Danish Air Force fighter wing is located. In addition to the pilots, another 65 specialists are trained in the maintenance and repair of these aircraft.

F-16 modernization and training

Denmark has pledged to transfer 19 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, which were modernized under the Mid-Life Update (MLU) program in the 2000s. These aircraft underwent a major overhaul and received modern equipment, including AN/APG-66(V)2 radars. This modernization makes them more effective in combat conditions, which further aggravates the situation.

Denmark's decision to allow Ukraine to use the transferred weapons outside its borders is causing mixed reactions on the international stage. Some allies support the initiative, believing it will help Ukraine more effectively counter Russia. However, other countries have expressed concerns about a possible escalation of the conflict and deterioration of relations with Russia.

Russia categorically condemns such actions, considering them a violation of international law and interference in the internal affairs of Ukraine. Moscow argues that the transfer of offensive weapons and permission to strike Russian territory pose a serious threat to its security and could lead to unpredictable consequences.