The Netherlands is preparing to hand over the first F-16s to Ukraine

22 December, 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 has decided to start preparations for the transfer of first 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte said this in a telephone conversation with President Zelenskyi. "Today I also informed President Zelenskyi of our government's decision to prepare an initial 18 F-16 fighter aircraft for delivery to Ukraine.

The delivery of F-16s is one of the most important elements of the agreements made on military support for Ukraine," Rutte said. In general, the Dutch government has pledged to transfer most of its F-16s to Ukraine. Back in August, Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren announced her intention to provide almost fifty aircraft.

"We have 42 fighter jets, some of them will be used for training, and the rest will be used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine," she said.

F-16BM of the Netherlands Air Force in Romania. Photo by Kajsa Ollongren

However, Rutte also emphasized that in order to transfer the fighter jets to Ukraine, a number of technical requirements must be met for the proper use of the aircraft. "Besides an export permit, a number of other criteria must also still be met before delivery can take place, including requirements for personnel and infrastructure," Rutte emphasized.

To address technical issues, in November, Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister, Lieutenant General Oleksandr Pavliuk, announced the creation of a structure to comprehensively ensure the continuous integration of F-16 multirole fighter jets. The program is expected to have two stages of deployment: "fast track", designed until the end of 2024, and scaling up. The main areas of work will include:

  • support and development of airfield infrastructure (air bases);
  • comprehensive protection of airfield infrastructure, including the air defense system;
  • selection and training of flight crews and other aviation personnel;
  • aircraft life cycle support and logistical support;
  • international communication and other legal, financial, security and administrative functions.
The onboard radar of an F-16 fighter jet.

Photo from open sources

As previously reported, in addition to developing the infrastructure for new aircrafts, Ukrainian Defense Ministry officials are already working with the United States to prepare and modernize the F-16 to meet the requirements of the modern battlefield.

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