Netherlands authorizes export of 24 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine
F-16 fighter jet (photo: Getty Images)
The Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands has issued a license to export 24 F-16 aircraft and seven engines for them to Ukraine. The first aircraft is expected to be delivered soon, according to a letter from the Minister of Defense of the Netherlands, Kajsa Ollongren, to members of the Dutch House of Representatives.
In her letter, Ollongren informed members of parliament that under the agreement, the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation conducted an export control check and issued licenses for the export of aircraft on June 19.
"In addition to the previous information regarding the delivery of military goods to Ukraine on June 13, on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, I also inform you that the delivery of the first aircraft will take place soon," the letter stated.
No additional details will be disclosed, Ollongren noted.
Previously, Ollongren stated that the Netherlands could transfer its first F-16 fighters to Ukraine as early as this summer. This will occur after Denmark transfers its first aircraft.
According to her, Ukraine can use its F-16s to target military objectives on Russian territory, with the condition that international humanitarian law is observed.
For more details on who and when will transfer the first aircraft to Ukraine, read the article by RBC-Ukraine.
