Within the framework of what will be a future delivery of F-16 aircraft to Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands has made public the authorization of its government for the platforms to be used to attack Russian territory without restrictions. This is an approval constantly requested by Ukrainian troops to carry out their defense plans and is not limited to the besieged region of Kharkiv.
The information arises from recent statements by outgoing Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot, made to the ANP news agency: “Dutch F-16s can also be deployed against targets in Russia (…) restrictions on the use of fighter jets for Ukraine were never discussed. The principle applies to the F-16s that they can operate in Russian territory if it is in the context of self-defense.”
It is worth noting that the Netherlands had announced the transfer of 24 F-16 Block 10/15 aircraft from the inventory of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. A number that originally amounted to only 18 units but was expanded after the decision not to sell another 6 aircraft as aggressors to the company Draken International. The Dutch Air Force itself has already planned to replace these aircraft with new stealth F-35 fighters purchased from Lockheed Martin.
It should also be noted that the Dutch initiative to deliver F-16 aircraft to Ukraine is not unique to this country; both Denmark and Norway have made a significant number of aircraft available, totaling 65 fighters to date. This is a move that has already been approved by the U.S. since April of this year, when a aid package totaling USD 1.6835 billion was announced, including spare parts, simulators, manuals, and other matters related to their maintenance in service.
Finally, it is important to note that the lifting of restrictions on the use of Western armaments seems to be a topic addressed by various nations today. Recently, the U.S. has discreetly authorized Ukrainian troops to use the weapons supplied to them on Russian territory, with the limitation that it can only be done against troops and equipment directly involved in the siege of Kharkiv. In the same vein, Germany has also given a similar authorization, reflecting the trend. Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated on Friday regarding the issue: “We jointly believe that Ukraine has the right, guaranteed by international law, to defend itself against these attacks.”
*Images used for illustrative purposes
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