The Netherlands delivers the first batch of F-16s to Ukraine.

According to RIA Novosti, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans stated on social media on October 6th, following a visit to Kyiv and Kharkiv, that the Netherlands had delivered the first batch of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, with the remainder to be sent in the near future.

“I can officially announce that the first Dutch F-16s have been delivered to Ukraine. The remainder of the 24 will be delivered in the coming months,” said the Dutch Defense Minister.

Last week, Mr. Brekelmans stated that the Royal Netherlands Air Force had retired older F-16s to transfer them to Ukraine and Romania, where the aircraft would "receive a new lease of life." Additionally, the Dutch Defense Minister promised to provide the Ukrainian Armed Forces with materials for repairing and maintaining fighter jets and air-to-air missiles.

Since February 24, 2022, the Netherlands has supplied Ukraine with 60 T-72 tanks, over 200 YPR infantry fighting vehicles of various types, approximately 100 Leopard-1 tanks (along with Denmark and Germany), 8 PzH2000 artillery systems, 2 Patriot anti-aircraft artillery systems, aircraft missile systems, over 500 drones, as well as missiles, mortars, rifles, machine guns, and ammunition.

In August 2024, Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans emphasized: "Ukraine can use F-16s supplied by the Netherlands to defend itself on Russian territory, provided that Kyiv abides by the rules of the UN Charter and international humanitarian law."

According to Brekelmans, Kyiv could use F-16s to attack military airfields – where Russian fighter jets take off. Furthermore, Ukraine is fully capable of intercepting Russian missiles with F-16s.