Netherlands delivers first F-16s to Ukraine and announces drone initiative
F-16 fighter jet (photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine received the first F-16 fighter jets from the Netherlands. The partner country also announced a drone initiative, according to the Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans.
"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 alarms. The rest of the 24 jets will follow in the coming months," he wrote.
Also in another post, Brekelmans said that the Netherlands remains at the forefront of supporting Ukraine, and that is why he is announcing an action plan for unmanned aerial vehicles.
“With €400M, we will provide advanced drones for reconnaissance, defense, and attack. Nearly half will be developed in the Netherlands,” said the head of the defense ministry.
Visit of the Dutch Minister of Defense to Ukraine
During his unannounced visit to Ukraine, Ruben Brekelmans met with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
In particular, the parties agreed to strengthen cooperation in the aviation coalition. This includes crew training, as well as the supply of weapons and spare parts for aircraft.
Upon arrival in Kharkiv, the Defense Minister described what he saw with his own eyes and how he believed Ukraine would be able to defend itself from Russian shelling.
“Destroyed apartments. Lack of electricity. Children go to school in bunkers. Ukraine can only protect itself from this by keeping Russia at a greater distance,” he emphasized.
