Dutch FM announces F-16 deployment to Ukraine
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Ukraine says it expects the jets to enhance its air superiority against Russia and provide better defense for its troops and infrastructure.
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Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp pictured alongside Prosecutor General of Ukraine Andriy Kostin, in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, July 7, 2024.(@AndriyKostinUa)
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp announced during a visit to Kiev that the Netherlands would promptly deploy F-16 fighter planes to Ukraine.
Ukraine says it expects the jets to enhance its air superiority against Russia and provide better defense for its troops and infrastructure.
On his inaugural international trip as foreign minister, Veldkamp indicated that the Netherlands was ready to dispatch the jets following the recent issuance of required export licenses.
"Now that we've got clearance on the first F-16s, they will be delivered without delay," Veldkamp told reporters on Saturday.
The details of the trip were kept confidential until Sunday due to security concerns.
He did not elaborate further or specify the exact date when the first batch of the promised 24 F-16s would be delivered to Ukraine.
Read more: F-16 deliveries to Ukraine not silver bullet: NATO chief
Veldkamp belongs to a newly formed ruling coalition where Geert Wilders' far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) holds the largest share.
After being sworn in last week following extensive negotiations, both the new government and Wilders himself have reiterated the Netherlands' commitment to supporting Ukraine.
Ukraine Prepares for F-16 Arrival
Since the start of the war in February 2022, Kiev has urgently requested F-16 fighter jets.
Since then, multiple NATO members have committed to sending the US-made jets known for their precision and speed, and Ukrainian pilots have been training extensively in NATO countries for their deployment.
In May, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine needs about 130 F-16s for air parity with Russia, but Western pledges fall short of this number.
Russia warned that to target any F-16 or other Western military equipment sent to Ukraine would constitute legitimate targets.
On another note, recent attacks on Ukrainian air bases by Russian forces have raised concerns about Kiev's ability to safeguard its airfields before the arrival of the F-16s.
Read more: Moldova denies plans to host F-16s headed for Ukraine
