Amsterdam, October 07, 2024 – The Europe Today: Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans has officially confirmed that the first batch of F-16 fighter jets, promised by the Netherlands to Ukraine, has been delivered. This marks a significant milestone in Dutch military aid to Kiev, as part of its support through the F-16 coalition.
During a visit to Kiev and Kharkov on Sunday, Brekelmans revealed new details of the Netherlands’ ongoing assistance to Ukraine. The Dutch government had previously pledged 24 US-made F-16 aircraft to the Ukrainian Air Force, although no specific timeline had been set. In a post on social media platform X, the minister declared, “For the first time, I can officially announce that the first Dutch F-16s have been delivered to Ukraine.”
In addition to the fighter jets, Brekelmans also announced a €400 million ($439 million) investment aimed at developing advanced high-tech drones for the Ukrainian military. These drones will be designed for various purposes, including reconnaissance, defense, and offensive operations, and can be deployed in the air, on land, and at sea. The minister emphasized the crucial role of drones in modern warfare, stating that the development of drone technology is advancing at “lightning speed.”
Half of the allocated funds will be invested in the Netherlands, while the remaining amount will be shared between Ukraine and other allied nations. Brekelmans highlighted the urgency of accelerating the procurement and production of drone systems, stressing the importance of rapid testing and scaling up production.
The Netherlands has contributed over €3.76 billion ($4.12 billion) in military aid to Ukraine since 2022. In addition to the F-16s and drone investment, the Dutch government has committed to assembling a Patriot air defense missile system for Ukraine, though challenges remain in sourcing necessary spare parts.
Meanwhile, Moscow continues to assert that no level of foreign military aid will deter its troops and warns of an increased risk of direct confrontation between Russia and NATO.
