Netherlands delivers first F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and launches new drone initiative
Фото: Фейсбук / Рустем Умєров
Ukraine has received its first F-16 fighter jets from the Netherlands. In addition, the partner country announced a new drone initiative.
This was reported by Rubryka, citing a post by Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans on the social network X.
"For the first time, I can officially announce that the first Dutch F-16s have been delivered to Ukraine. This is urgently needed. In Kharkiv, I saw the damage from Russian airstrikes and heard frequent air raid sirens. The remaining 24 aircraft will arrive in the coming months," he wrote.
In another post, Brekelmans also stated that the Netherlands remains at the forefront of supporting Ukraine, which is why he is announcing an action plan for unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).
Photo: Facebook / Rusten Umerov
"We will provide advanced drones worth €400 million. For reconnaissance, defense, and attack. Nearly half of them will be developed in the Netherlands," the head of the defense department reported.
Photo: Facebook / Rusten Umerov
During the meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart, the parties also agreed to strengthen cooperation within the aviation coalition.
"I had productive talks with the delegation led by the Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Ruben Brekelmans. I am sincerely grateful for the comprehensive assistance that the Netherlands is providing to defend against Russian aggression," reported Ukraine's Minister of Defense, Rustem Umerov, on his Facebook page.
He noted that the presence of F-16 jets in Ukraine's airspace is a testament to the unwavering support from the people and government of the Netherlands.
Photo: Facebook / Rusten Umerov
During the meeting, the ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation:
"Specifically, regarding the training of crews and the supply of weapons and spare parts for the aircraft," he clarified.
Umerov added that "together with the team, we urged partners to further invest in Ukrainian defense production."
It is worth noting that during his visit to Ukraine, the Dutch Defense Minister also visited Kharkiv, which is subjected to almost daily shelling by Russia.
Later in the evening, he posted on the social network X, describing how he saw firsthand the aftermath of heavy Russian bombings. He also shared insights into life in Kharkiv and outlined how Ukraine can defend itself from the attacks.
"Destroyed apartments. Power shortages. Children attending school in bunkers. Ukraine can only defend itself from this by keeping Russia at a greater distance," he wrote.
Aid from the Netherlands
Overall, the Netherlands will provide Ukraine with 24 F-16 fighter jets. In addition, Amsterdam has announced an additional €300 million allocation for the purchase of ammunition for the F-16s, which will be supplied to Ukraine in the near future.
Additionally, ten Ukrainian military personnel have completed training in the Netherlands for the maintenance of F-16 fighter jets.
In July, the Netherlands announced a €20 million donation to the coalition's joint drone fund, aimed at supplying 1 million FPV drones.
Together with Denmark, the Netherlands will also deliver 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks to Ukraine by the end of this summer, which were purchased last year.
Moreover, the Netherlands has announced a new support package for Ukraine, which will focus on restoring critical infrastructure. The package is valued at €209.5 million.
Furthermore, the Netherlands will soon provide Ukraine with three Patriot missile system units, having delivered only a radar so far.
