Netherlands delivers first batch of F-16s to Ukraine
The first batch of F-16 fighter jets has been delivered to Ukraine, the Dutch Defense Minister said.
According to RIA Novosti, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said on social network X on October 6 after visiting Kiev and Kharkov that the Netherlands had delivered the first batch of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, the rest would be sent in the near future.
“I can officially announce that the first Dutch F-16s have been delivered to Ukraine. The remaining 24 will be delivered in the coming months,” the Dutch Defense Minister said.
Last week, Brekelmans said the Royal Netherlands Air Force was retiring its older F-16s and sending them to Ukraine and Romania, where they would “get a new lease of life.” The Dutch defense minister also promised to provide the Ukrainian armed forces with materials for repairing and maintaining fighter jets, as well as air-to-air missiles.
Since February 24, 2022, the Netherlands has supplied Ukraine with 60 T-72 tanks, more than 200 YPR infantry fighting vehicles of various types, about 100 Leopard-1 tanks together with Denmark and Germany, 8 PzH2000 artillery systems, 2 Patriot anti-aircraft artillery systems, aircraft missile systems, more than 500 drones as well as missiles, mortars, rifles, machine guns and ammunition.
In August 2024, Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans stressed: "Ukraine can use F-16 aircraft provided by the Netherlands for self-defense on Russian territory, provided Kiev complies with the rules of the UN Charter and international humanitarian law."
According to Mr. Brekelmans, Kiev can use F-16 aircraft to attack military airports - where Russian fighter jets take off. In addition, Ukraine can completely intercept Russian missiles with F-16.
