Denmark has initiated the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets, coinciding with an accelerated phase-out of its current F-16 fleet. Acting Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced the commencement of the training program, marking a significant step in Denmark's support for Ukraine. The transition to F-35 fighter jets, originally slated for 2027, has been expedited to 2025. Lund Poulsen indicated that Denmark is actively assessing the possibility of donating some of its F-16s to Ukraine, with the number of jets under consideration. However, any such donation is contingent on the successful completion of the Ukrainian pilots' training, estimated to take six to eight months. While the decision regarding the donation could be made sooner, the F-16s will remain in Denmark until 2024. Denmark currently operates 30 F-16s, which will be replaced by 27 F-35A Joint Strike Fighter jets. This transition is scheduled to occur between late 2023 and the end of 2025. Ukraine has consistently appealed for Western fighter jets to bolster its defense against the ongoing Russian invasion. After initial hesitation, the U.S. and other NATO allies recently agreed to allow Ukrainian pilots to undergo F-16 training, although no concrete commitments to provide the aircraft have been made yet.