To support Ukraine’s efforts against Russia’s invasion, the Netherlands has announced plans to deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to the embattled nation, as confirmed by the Dutch government on Friday.
Caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte took to social media platform X to share the decision, stating, “Today I informed President Zelenskiy of our government’s decision to prepare an initial 18 F-16 fighter aircraft for delivery to Ukraine.” Rutte emphasised that the delivery of these fighter jets stands as one of the crucial elements of the military support agreements extended to Ukraine.
The actual delivery, however, is contingent on the approval of an export permit by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the fulfilment of specific criteria related to staff and infrastructure within Ukraine. Rutte did not provide a specific timeline for these critical decisions, but he highlighted that the announcement enables the reservation of funds and allocation of personnel to initiate the preparations for the planes’ delivery.
“I spoke with Mark Rutte to thank the Dutch government for its decision to start preparing the initial 18 F-16 jets for their delivery to Ukraine,” expressed Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy on X, acknowledging the importance of international support in Ukraine’s defence against the ongoing aggression.
This move follows the Netherlands’ recent deployment of its first set of U.S.-made F-16s to a newly established training facility in Romania, aimed at training Ukrainian pilots and support staff. The commitment to provide additional fighter jets underscores the growing international solidarity with Ukraine in the face of escalating tensions.
Notably, Denmark, Norway, and Belgium have also pledged to contribute F-16 jets to Ukraine, following approval from the U.S. government. These collective efforts signify a coordinated response to bolster Ukraine’s defence capabilities, with the understanding that the F-16s will be deployed once pilot training is successfully completed.
As geopolitical tensions continue to escalate, the Netherlands’ decision to provide military support adds another layer to the international response against Russia’s actions. The commitment of F-16 fighter jets reflects a collaborative effort to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to withstand external aggression, marking a crucial development in the ongoing conflict in the region.