Netherlands' Minister of Defence discloses when country will start transferring F-16s to Ukraine
File photo: Dutch Defense Minister Kaisa Ollongren (Getty Images)
The Netherlands will start transferring F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine as early as this fall. This follows Denmark’s decision, announced Dutch Minister of Defense Kajsa Ollongren.
“Everything has been arranged according to the project, which comprises training Ukrainian pilots, training service staff, and transferring actual aircraft,” she said.
According to the Minister of Defense, Ukrainian soldiers are currently undergoing training in Denmark, the USA, and other countries. Denmark is expected to deliver the first aircraft to Ukraine by the summer if nothing interferes.
“And if we can keep on this path and everything works out for Ukraine in their own country, Denmark will send the first aircraft this summer. And we plan to take part in deliveries starting in the autumn with our F-16s,” said Kajsa Ollongren.
Supplies of F-16 to Ukraine from the Netherlands
The Netherlands have decided to transfer a batch of fighter jets to Ukraine last year during a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In February, it became known that the Netherlands plan to prepare six additional F-16 fighter jets for Ukraine. In total, the Armed Forces of Ukraine will receive 24 aircraft.
Already in April, Ollongren announced that the first deliveries of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine are set to begin this year.