”The moment you think of something, it turns.” Ukrainian pilots get to grips with the F-16 fighter jet, as they prepare to take to the skies over Ukraine.
Synopsis
At an airbase in Denmark, the Danish Air Force has been training the next generation of Ukrainian fighter pilots to fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
A coalition of NATO Allies, including Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway, has agreed to donate their F-16s to the Ukrainian Air Force. As part of the deal, Danish instructors at Skrydstrup Air Base are training Ukrainian pilots, technicians and ground crew how to fly and maintain the F-16. The first jets will enter service later this year.
The Ukrainian pilots are full of praise for the F-16, noting its responsive controls and agile flight features.
The F-16 is an advanced multirole fighter, which will replace Ukraine’s aging fleet of MiG-29 Fulcrums and Su-27 Flankers. Speedy, highly manoeuvrable and capable of carrying a wide range of ordnance, the F-16 will significantly strengthen Ukraine’s ability to continue defending its airspace and territory against Russia's war of aggression.
Transcript
TRANSCRIPT (AUDIO AND TEXT ON SCREEN)
—SOUNDBITE IN ENGLISH (SUBTITLES IN ENGLISH) — ‘Moonfish’ - F-16 pilot, Ukrainian Air Force
GRAPHIC: ‘MOONFISH’ - F-16 pilot, Ukrainian Air Force
‘It is really a super fun jet to fly. I'm not saying that the MiG that I flew before is super boring but the F-16 is definitely more agile.
It easily moves. The moment you think of something, it turns.’
— TEXT ON SCREEN —
UKRAINIAN PILOTS HAVE BEEN LEARNING TO FLY THE F-16 FIGHTER JET IN DENMARK
—SOUNDBITE IN ENGLISH (SUBTITLES IN ENGLISH) — ‘Moonfish’ - F-16 pilot, Ukrainian Air Force
I felt proud, not only for myself, but for the rest of the guys and that we are doing it now.
I know how much work has been done to have this opportunity.
— TEXT ON SCREEN —
DENMARK IS DONATING F-16s TO UKRAINE
ALONG WITH NATO ALLIES BELGIUM, THE NETHERLANDS AND NORWAY
TO HELP UKRAINIAN PILOTS CONTINUE DEFENDING THEIR SKIES AND TERRITORY FROM RUSSIAN AGGRESSION
—SOUNDBITE IN ENGLISH (SUBTITLES IN ENGLISH) — MAJOR GENERAL JAN DAM, Chief of the Royal Danish Air Force
GRAPHIC: MAJOR GENERAL JAN DAM, Chief of the Royal Danish Air Force
it has been updated several times and actually, as it is right here, it's a very, very modern aircraft.
It's competitive with the best Western fighters.
And I'm sure that the Ukrainian Air Force will benefit from that.’
—SOUNDBITE IN ENGLISH (SUBTITLES IN ENGLISH) — ‘Moonfish’ - F-16 pilot, Ukrainian Air Force
‘The biggest boost here is the motivation to go back and keep fighting with new jets.’
—SOUNDBITE IN ENGLISH (SUBTITLES IN ENGLISH) — MAJOR GENERAL JAN DAM, Chief of the Royal Danish Air Force
‘We are in this together and we have a lot of sympathy with the Ukrainian people and we want to do whatever we can to help.’
END
Music
Stronger Instrumental – Cunningham Mcdonald
Usage rights
This media asset is free for editorial broadcast, print, online and radio use. It is restricted for use for other purposes. Please credit the Danish Defense Command for the use of footage.
