Netherlands donates spare parts for maintenance of Ukrainian F-16s

6 September, 2024 F-16 in the evening sky. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands The Netherlands donates spare parts and equipment for the maintenance and repair of Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets, worth a total of EUR80 million.

The Minister of Defense of the Netherlands Ruben Brekelmans announced this during the 24th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) in the Ramstein format. "F-16 fighter jets need maintenance and spare parts for maintenance. Without this, they cannot fly.

The Netherlands is donating materials worth EUR80 million. In addition to a large number of spare parts, this includes generators, small vehicles, basic maintenance materials, specialized tools and ladders." The quantity and specific names of the materials in this transfer are not reported. "This is for operational security," the Minister explains.

The timing of the delivery of the aid is not disclosed, except for the intention to deliver it as soon as possible.

Ukrainian F-16 fighters. August 2024. Photo credits: Ukrainian Air Force

The WSJ reported that the United States had refused to send private contractors to Ukraine to maintain the F-16 jet fighters over concerns about safety.

At the same time, a senior Dutch military official confirmed that the Netherlands would pay for a private contract between a civilian tech company and the Ukrainian Air Force to support the F-16s. "We are financially supporting the Ukrainian government to enter into these contracts with private partners to see if they can maintain the aircraft in the future," General Onno Eichelsheim said, speaking to reporters in Washington.

Aid from the Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of the key and active members of the Aviation Coalition. On July 24, 2024, the Netherlands finalized the permit for the export of 24 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine as part of the Aviation Coalition.

However, the Netherlands' contribution is not limited to the transfer of aircraft. In particular, they train Ukrainian aircraft maintenance technicians to maintain fighter jet equipment. The Netherlands is also financing the purchase of weapons for Ukrainian F-16s.

On March 21, 2024, it was announced that EUR150 million would be allocated for the purchase of weapons.

On July 30, 2024, an additional EUR300 million was allocated.

Also, the Netherlands is not opposed to Ukraine's use of the transferred F-16 fighter jets for strikes on Russian territory.