The Netherlands Set Timeline For Transferring F-16 Fighters To Ukraine

Kyiv will receive 24 aircraft.

The Netherlands will begin supplying Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets this autumn, following Denmark, which promised to send the first batch in the summer. Such deadlines are spelled out in the allies’ plan, Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren told Delfi.

She recalled that the full scheme for providing the F-16 Armed Forces includes the training of Ukrainian pilots, training of maintenance personnel, and the direct transfer of aircraft. According to Ollongren, the first two stages are now underway: Ukrainians are learning to operate Western technology in the USA, Denmark, Great Britain, France and Romania.

“If we manage to stay on this path, and everything works for Ukraine, of course, in their own country, then the first aircraft will be delivered by Denmark this summer. And we hope to take part in deliveries starting in the autumn with our F-16s,” Ollongren said, adding that after the summer and beyond, the fighters “will be transferred in batches to Ukraine.” The minister did not specify exactly how many F-16s will be sent in the autumn.

In total, the Netherlands promised to transfer 24 aircraft to Ukraine.