Netherlands sends last batch of F-16 jets to Ukraine

The Netherlands has sent the final batch of F-16 fighter jets intended for Ukraine — they took off from the Volkel Air Base to Belgium, where they will be prepared for delivery.

The press service of the Dutch Ministry of Defense reported this.

The Minister of Defense, Ruben Brekelmans, was present at the Volkel Air Base. He said this was a nostalgic moment, as the F-16 played an important role for the Dutch air force for decades.

“But now, as we say goodbye after transitioning to the F-35, I could not imagine a better destination than Ukraine. Due to daily Russian airstrikes, the F-16s are vital for Ukraine. They allow them to hold back Russian aggression — and for us as well,” he said.

The minister emphasized that in peacetime, training on these fighters takes years, but Ukrainian pilots and technicians managed to master these aircraft in record time.

According to him, the F-16s have already helped Ukrainian forces shoot down cruise missiles and drones, thus saving lives. The minister added that these aircraft have better technical capabilities and higher combat survivability than the Soviet jets Ukraine has used so far.

In total, the Netherlands transferred 24 fighter jets to Ukraine. They will also continue to provide everything necessary to service the F-16s — spare parts, ammunition, and fuel.

F-16 for Ukraine

In 2023, Ukraine and its allies created an Aviation Coalition, the goal of which was to transfer F-16 combat jets to Ukraine. The first batch of F-16s was delivered to Ukraine by the Netherlands, which became known in October 2024. The second batch arrived in December 2024, sent by Denmark.

In total, four allied countries agreed to transfer F-16s to Kyiv: the Netherlands (24 jets), Denmark (19 jets), Belgium (30 jets by 2028), and Norway (6 jets).