the Netherlands will deliver 18 F-16 planes to kyiv

Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the Netherlands for their “decision” regarding these highly anticipated devices.

The Netherlands will deliver their 18 “firsts” American-made F-16 combat aircraft to Ukraine, the Dutch government announced on Friday, December 22. The announcement comes at a time when kyiv faces increased pressure from Russia on the front lines.

“The delivery of F-16s is one of the most important elements of the agreements reached on military support to Ukraine”said outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte on the social network “The Netherlands provides Ukraine with at least 18 F-16 fighter jets”the Dutch Ministry of Defense confirmed in a press release, without giving the delivery date of these highly anticipated devices.

First planes in Romania to train pilots

With the support of the United States, Denmark and the Netherlands formalized in August their commitment to providing up to 61 combat aircraft, once the Ukrainian pilots have been trained.

A permit is required for the export of military equipment to avoid unwanted end use, the Dutch government said on Friday, and promised devices must first be tested to see if they meet several requirements. criteria. “A certain number of devices also require significant maintenance”noted the government.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the Netherlands for its “decision” regarding the F-16, on X. “We discussed developments on the front line, the situation in the Black Sea and Ukraine’s current military needs, including artillery, drones and air defense”, he added. The Netherlands sent the first five F-16 fighter jets last month to Romania, where they are to be used to train Ukrainian pilots.