Netherlands to supply Ukrainian pilots with F-16 training simulators

Read also US to fund maintenance and repairs of Ukraine's F-16s in Belgium

The Dutch Minister stresses that Ukraine is facing an extremely difficult winter. Therefore, everything must be done to help it get through this winter and emerge in a better position by spring.

"Over the past few weeks, the Netherlands has provided hundreds of millions of euros in aid in the form of drones and ammunition. Today, I can also announce that we will transfer F-16 simulators as we continue to assist Ukraine in operating these aircraft," says Brekelmans.

According to him, in the long term, the level of support that has been provided over the past few years will be maintained.

"And this will also be included in the new government's budget. So we can assure our allies and partners that we support Ukraine not only today and tomorrow, but also in the long term," the Minister adds.

He also notes that he would not disclose any details, as this information is also valuable to Russia.

F-16s for Ukraine

Denmark, together with the Netherlands, Norway, and other allies, has created a so-called F-16 fighter jet aviation coalition for Ukraine, which includes not only the supply of aircraft but also the training of Ukrainian pilots and technicians.

In particular, Denmark began training eight Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets back in August 2023.

Some of the F-16s from Denmark are already in Ukraine, and subsequent batches are to arrive gradually.

The United States has also signed a contract for the repair and maintenance of Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets in Belgium, which will remain in force until 2029.

Ukrainian military and partners emphasize that these aircraft significantly enhance Ukraine's ability to defend its airspace and perform more complex tasks in the sky.