Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's Parting Gift to Zelensky: F-16 Jets
Mark Rutte, who's about to step down as Dutch Prime Minister, pledged to expedite the delivery of 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, a move aimed at bolstering Ukraine's defenses against Russian aggression.
With the Ukrainian air force in dire need of modern fighters, the Netherlands is preparing to dispatch its first batch of F-16s, manufactured in the US, to Ukraine. While a delivery date has yet to be announced, the Dutch Ministry of Defense confirms that the aircraft are to be readied for dispatch as soon as possible.
In August, the Netherlands and Denmark, with the US's blessing, agreed to deliver as many as 61 fighter jets whenever Ukrainian pilots had completed their training. Original estimates pointed to an imminent delivery, but further testing and preliminary requirements, such as licensing and infrastructure, have delayed the process.
Rutte's declaration reaffirms the Netherlands' unwavering support for Ukraine, aiming to aid the country in countering Russian hostility. His successor, in line with his predecessor's commitment, maintains this pledge.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Rutte for the support and discussed various topics, including the current tensions on the front lines, developments in the Black Sea, and Ukraine's immediate military necessities. The Netherlands has already dispatched five F-16s to Romania to aid in training Ukrainian pilots.
Additional Insights:
- In January 2025, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed that the Netherlands would deliver additional F-16s to Ukraine that same year. Training programs for Ukrainian pilots, engineers, and technicians in Romania have been ongoing to prepare them to operate and maintain these aircraft effectively.
- The Netherlands had delivered U.S. made F-16 Block 20 MLU aircraft to Ukraine in August 2024, significantly enhancing the country's air defense capabilities.
