Netherlands Sends Last F-16 Fighter Jets to Ukraine

The Netherlands has announced the transfer of its last batch of the 24 F-16 fighter aircraft promised to Ukraine.

The six jets took off from Volkel Air Base in the southern Netherlands and landed in Belgium, where they will undergo further preparations for the handover.

Once delivered, the Dutch government will continue supporting Kyiv’s fleet via combat readiness drills and pilot training at the European F-16 Training Centre in Romania.

“F-16s are of vital importance for Ukraine due to the daily Russian air attacks. They allow us to keep Russian aggression at bay and away from us,” Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans shared.

Amsterdam sent the first batch of F-16s in October 2024, followed by a second delivery in February.

The country currently leads the F-16 Training Coalition, an association of 15 countries responsible for the training of Ukraine’s pilots and ground personnel.

Timely Reinforcement

The six fighter jets will reinforce Ukraine’s fleet, which has suffered major blows recently.

Earlier this month, the Ukrainian Air Force announced that it had lost an F-16 jet to “an emergency situation” while its pilot was repelling three air targets from Russian forces.

The incident marks Kyiv’s second reported loss of the fighter aircraft. In 2024, another F-16 crashed during an anti-missile mission, killing its pilot.

Arming the F-16

Part of the Netherlands’ aid to Ukraine’s fighter jet fleet includes upgrades to its ammunition and the maintenance and supply of specialized tools and equipment.

Last year, it pledged 80 million euros ($89 million) worth of air-to-air missile support and 150 million euros ($163 million) for air-to-ground munitions.

Kyiv’s fighters are also equipped with short- and medium-range missiles capable of countering cruise missiles.