The Netherlands has announced the upcoming delivery of 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, at a time when kyiv faces increased pressure from Russia. A commitment welcomed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: “this decision confirms the Netherlands’ unwavering commitment to providing support to respond to Russian aggression.”
The Netherlands will deliver its “first” 18 American-made F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, the Dutch government announced Friday, at a time when Kiev faces increased pressure from Russia on the front. “The Netherlands is making at least 18 F-16 combat aircraft available to Ukraine,” the Dutch Ministry of Defense said in a statement, without giving the delivery date of these highly anticipated aircraft.
Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the Dutch government
With U.S. support, Denmark and the Netherlands in August formalized their commitment to providing up to 61 fighter jets once Ukrainian pilots are trained. A permit is also required for the export of military equipment to avoid unwanted end use, the Dutch government said on Friday, and the promised devices must therefore first be tested to see if they meet several requirements. criteria.
“A certain number of devices also require significant maintenance,” noted the government. Other criteria must also be met before the devices can be delivered. In addition to the training of Ukrainian personnel, the availability of suitable infrastructure in Ukraine is also necessary. “The delivery of the F-16s is one of the most important elements of the agreements reached on military support to Ukraine,” said outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
“This decision confirms the Netherlands’ unwavering commitment to providing Ukraine with the support it needs to respond to ongoing Russian aggression,” he said on X. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on the same social network that he spoke with Mark Rutte and thanked the Netherlands for their “decision” regarding the F-16. “We discussed developments on the front line, the situation in the Black Sea and Ukraine’s current military needs, including artillery, drones and air defense,” he said. added.
The Netherlands last month sent the first five F-16 fighter jets to Romania, where they are to be used to train Ukrainian pilots.