After completing their retirement at the end of September, the Netherlands has announced the start of the transfer process for 24 F-16 fighter jets to the Ukrainian Air Force, with the first delivery confirmed on Sunday, September 6. This news comes shortly after an additional €400 million in funds were committed for the joint production of drones, primarily aerial but also naval and terrestrial, aimed at strengthening the attack and reconnaissance capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The confirmation of the first delivery of Dutch F-16s was announced via social media by the country’s Defense Minister, Ruben Brekelmans, who recently made a surprise visit to Ukraine. He stated: “For the first time, I can officially announce that the first Dutch F-16s have been delivered to Ukraine… This is an urgent necessity. In Kharkiv, I saw the damage caused by Russian airstrikes and heard frequent air raid alarms… The remaining 24 jets will be delivered over the coming months.”
It’s important to note that the aircraft provided by the Netherlands are part of a larger fleet of 65 jets arranged by a coalition of European allies with the approval of the U.S., announced months ago and which could be expanded in the future with Greece contributing over three dozen F-16 Block 30 jets. In addition, the Dutch government will also send a significant logistical support package to operate the aircraft, which includes various types of armament and spare parts to ensure their operational capability.
In financial terms, Minister Brekelmans detailed that by the end of September, his country’s support for the Ukrainian war effort totaled €3.76 billion. Specifically, it is estimated that about €450 million was allocated for the purchase of ammunition and another €80 million for maintenance contracts and spare parts for the F-16s. Other items delivered by the Netherlands, unrelated to the jets themselves, include consumables for the Pzh 2000 howitzers and Patriot air defense systems, as well as materials such as combat rations and medical supplies.
It is also useful to mention that the aircraft being transferred will not have limitations on their actions over Russian skies, as formal restrictions on how Ukrainian pilots could use them have been lifted. This was confirmed by General Otto Eichelsheim during a visit to the United States in August, highlighting the importance of this measure and the military support that the Netherlands has mobilized for Ukraine. For his part, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated after his Dutch counterpart’s visit that: “We agreed to enhance cooperation within the aviation coalition, including crew training and the supply of weapons and spare parts for aircraft.”
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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