Netherlands likely to send F-16s to Ukraine after pilot training – Bloomberg

Bloomberg reports about this, citing anonymous sources.

It is noted that in recent weeks, the Dutch government has been negotiating with the US authorities to make sure that the administration of President Joe Biden agrees to supply the aircraft to Ukraine.

The Netherlands and Denmark lead a coalition to train pilots with the support of the United Kingdom and Belgium.

According to an anonymous source, the Dutch government is already studying and discussing possible deployment plans with its allies. Although the Dutch government has expressed its willingness to help strengthen Ukraine's air defence "as soon as possible," pilot training, deployment, and logistical planning could take many months.

Currently, the Netherlands has 42 F-16 fighters, 24 of which are in service with the Dutch armed forces and cannot be transferred to Ukraine until mid-2024. Of the remaining 18 jets, 12 were to be sold to Draken International, but the government postponed the transfer in December without explanation, citing commercial secrecy.

It is noted that Ukraine may receive some of the aircraft that were to be sold, as well as some of the 24 jets from the Dutch military next year, depending on the preparation schedule.

A spokeswoman for the Dutch Ministry of Defense said that the government would consider the possible delivery of F-16s to Ukraine later. She added that the priority now is to train pilots.

• As a reminder, on May 21, US President Joe Biden approved the training of Ukrainians on F-16s. Volodymyr Zelenskyy assured that Ukraine would not use these aircraft to strike at the territory of the Russian Federation.

• Ukraine hopes to receive the first modern American F-16 fighters in the fall of 2023.

• The Pentagon is convinced that the delivery of F-16s to Ukraine will take several months.

• At the Ramstein meeting, it was reported that the coalition to train the Ukrainian Armed Forces with F-16s will be led by Denmark and the Netherlands and will include four other countries.