Zelensky in the cockpit as Netherlands and Denmark commit to giving F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine

Denmark and the Netherlands have pledged to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, becoming the first Nato allies to provide modern warplanes.

After a meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte in Amsterdam, Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the Netherlands had pledged to supply 42 F-16s.

"I thank Mark Rutte, his entire team, and the Dutch people for the decision on F-16s for Ukraine. Our warriors will receive 42 great combat aircraft," President Zelensky said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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Nato member states are aiming to modernise their air forces by transitioning to the advanced F-35 fighter jets, which will subsequently lead to a surplus of F-16 aircraft.

Later on Sunday President Zelensky visited Denmark and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said at a joint press conference that "hopefully" six F-16s could be delivered around New Year.

The Danish Prime Minister also said that eight more F-16s could be delivered next year and five more in 2025, making it 19 F-16s in total over the next two years.

The US has approved sending F-16s to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands.

Since the early stages of the full-scale invasion, President Zelensky has been actively seeking to secure F-16s from Western nations.

While Poland and Slovakia, have already transferred their Soviet-era fighter jets to Ukraine, the acquisition of modern US-made F-16 fighter jets will play a crucial role in the modernisation of Ukraine's air force.

A coalition of 11 countries will start the training of Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets later this month in Denmark.

Due to the need for adequate training of pilots and ground crews, the transfer of F-16s might span up to a year, resulting in the jets potentially not being operational until 2024, over two years after the commencement of the full-scale invasion.

Following the F-16 news, former British Army officer Ed Arnold, European Security Research Fellow at the defence and security think tank RUSI, posted on X: "Netherlands following Denmark's lead on emptying the sheds in support of Ukraine.

"While the focus is usually on the big states, these smaller states, with others, are far more serious on European security than most."