Ukraine to receive F-16 fighter jets soon - Dutch Defense Minister
Illustrative photo: Ukraine will receive F-16s in the near future (Getty Images)
Ukraine will soon receive F-16 fighters from the Netherlands. However, details cannot be disclosed yet, according to the Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans.
“I can tell you that the F-16s will arrive soon and that we are working hard to make it happen as soon as possible. But I will not share any details. The reason is not that I don't want to inform the public, because I would like to inform everyone as much as possible,” the official emphasized.
According to him, the information cannot be disclosed because the F-16 is a target of Russia. Therefore, any details could help Russia.
Brekelmans also emphasized that Ukrainian pilots are quickly learning to fly the F-16. But he cannot say the exact number, as this would be valuable information for Russia.
“Usually it takes many years for Dutch pilots, sometimes even more than five years, to learn the F-16, to learn a rather complex system. Ukrainian pilots are now doing it in a year and a half. This is really something remarkable,” he said.
The Minister suggested that at the first stage, Ukraine will use the F-16 as an air defense system. This will be a priority.
F-16 for Ukraine
Earlier, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced during the NATO summit held on July 9-11 in Washington that Denmark and the Netherlands had started transferring F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
Blinken also emphasized that Ukraine is likely to use these aircraft this summer.
At the same time, Norway announced the transfer of F-16s to Ukraine. The country wants to provide a total of six fighters, and deliveries will begin this year.
