F-16 for Ukraine: the Netherlands is discussing the transfer of fighter jets with allies

9 May, 2023 An F-16AM Fighting Falcon of the Royal Netherlands Air Force at Leeuwarden Air Base, April 2022. Photo credits: R. Skywalker

The Dutch government, together with its partners, is considering providing Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced this. According to him, negotiations with European countries and the United States on the possibility of transferring warplanes are ongoing.

"We are intensively discussing the F-16 issue with Denmark, the UK, and some other parties in Europe, as well as with the US," Rutte noted on the first day of his visit to Brazil. However, according to him, it is first necessary to reach an agreement between all partners, as it was in the past before supplying Ukraine with howitzers and tanks.

Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16BM Fighting Falcon at Kleine Brogel Air Base, Belgium, September 2009

Rutte also pointed out his intention to convey to the Brazilian president why the issue of supporting Ukraine is "existential" for the Netherlands, Europe, and beyond, since the Russian full-scale invasion threatened Western values. "We must help Ukraine in this struggle.

If Putin succeeds in Ukraine, and I don't think he will, he won't stop there. People in Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, and throughout Europe are worried about their own security," he said. In February, Ukraine made a request to the Netherlands on the possibility of transferring F-16 fighter jets.

Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren confirmed this information. However, at that time, she stressed that this request of Kyiv is clear, but it is not easy to fulfill. "We need to discuss the availability of the F-16 with the Americans and other allies.

And we have to seriously consider the consequences, it can't happen overnight. We have to be honest about that," Ollongren said. It is noted that before the Armed Forces of Ukraine could use these fighter jets, the Ukrainian military would have to undergo appropriate training.

In addition, due to the fact that F-16 fighters are American-made, the transfer of these aircraft to third countries requires the US government clearance.

Myrhorod, Safe Sky 2011 exercise. American F-16 and Ukrainian Su-27 fighters.

2011. Ukraine.

Photo credits: poltava.to

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is an American multi-purpose light fighter jet produced by Lockheed Martin. It is the most massive fourth-generation fighter in the world. Fighter jets in the F-16AM/BM versions are in service with the Netherlands.

They gradually started to be replaced with new fifth-generation F-35A combat aircraft.