The Netherlands plans to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine this autumn, following Denmark’s deliveries this summer, Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren announced on May 6. Ollongren revealed this during a briefing with her Lithuanian counterpart in Vilnius, as reported by Delfi.
She mentioned that Ukraine’s partner nations have a comprehensive plan for the project, which involves training Ukrainian pilots, preparing maintenance personnel, and transferring aircraft.
She noted that Ukrainian pilots are currently undergoing training in Denmark, the United States, and other countries.
“If we manage to stay on course, and everything functions as intended in their own country, then Denmark will deliver the first [F-16] aircraft this summer,” said Ollongren.
“And we hope to participate in the deliveries with our F-16s starting in the fall.”
The decision for the Netherlands to supply F-16s to Ukraine was made amidst a broad agreement amongst Western allies, including the United States, Denmark, Norway, and Belgium.
This coalition has pledged to aid Ukraine with these advanced aircraft, with the US backing the deliveries and Britain, lacking its own F-16 jets, offering pilot training support along with France.
According to various sources, these transfers are planned to start as early as June or July, as Ukraine’s pilots are already undergoing extensive training.
Illia Yevlash, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Air Force, previously noted that Ukrainian pilots were completing their training to operate the warplanes, with both pilots and ground staff receiving instruction from Ukraine’s Western partners for months.
Ukraine has sought US-made F-16 fighter jets for over two years to strengthen its air defenses and contest Russia’s air dominance during the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war.
The United States approved the transfer of F-16s from Denmark and the Netherlands last August, pending completion of pilot training. It’s imperative to note that Ukraine has yet to operate any F-16s, and the arrival of these jets is eagerly anticipated.
The Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren previously disclosed the Netherlands’ intentions to dispatch F-16 jets to Ukraine, following Denmark’s planned deliveries this summer. The Dutch have committed to delivering a total of 24 F-16s for use in Ukraine.
While the delivery of F-16s is a major step forward, US officials have privately expressed that the jets may not be a game-changer when they arrive, given the Russian air force’s strength and defensive systems.
Nonetheless, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the agreement last year as a “breakthrough,” asserting that the planes would substantially enhance Ukraine’s air defenses and aid its counter-offensive against Russian forces.
As Ukraine intensifies its drone warfare, striking deep inside Russia, the influx of Western military aid continues. Zelensky has confirmed the acceleration of military support to the frontline following a significant aid package from the US, additional support from Britain, and contributions from other allies.
Relevant articles:
– Dutch F-16 deliveries to Ukraine to begin late this year, Yahoo Singapore News, 05/12/2024
– Media military sources claim Ukraine to get first F, Euromaidan Press, 05/10/2024
– First F-16 fighter jets from the West will arrive in Ukraine in weeks, top military source says, Yahoo News UK, 05/10/2024
– Dutch gov’t declines comment on progress in F-16 deliveries to Ukraine, Yahoo Movies Canada, 05/10/2024
– When the first F-16s will be delivered to Ukraine: a new date has been announced, Апостроф, 05/10/2024