The Netherlands discussing transfer of F-16 fighters to Ukraine

The Dutch government and its allies are thinking about giving Ukraine F-16 fighter  jets.

This was declared by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

He claims that discussions about the potential transfer of jets are still ongoing with the US and European nations.

“We are intensively discussing the F-16 issue with Denmark, the UK, and some other parties in Europe, as well as with the US.”

Mark Rutte

He claims that, as was the case in the past before arming Ukraine with howitzers and tanks, an agreement must first be reached amongst all parties.

Rutte also stated that he intended to explain to the president of Brazil why backing Ukraine is “existential” for the Netherlands, Europe, and beyond because the Russian incursion on a large scale threatens Western ideals.

“We must help Ukraine in this struggle. If Putin succeeds in Ukraine, and I don’t think he will, he won’t stop there. People in Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, and throughout Europe are worried about their own security,”

Rutte said

In February Ukraine asked the Netherlands if it could be possible to transfer F-16 fighter jets.

Kajsa Ollongren, the Dutch defense minister, reaffirmed this information. She emphasized at the time, though, that while Kyiv’s request is clear, it is not simple to comply with.

It should be highlighted that proper training must be completed by the Ukrainian military before it can utilize these fighter jets. The transfer of F-16 to third countries also needs US government approval because they are an American-made product.

American Lockheed Martin manufactures the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a multifunctional light fighter aircraft. It’s the most massive fourth-generation fighter in the entire globe. The Netherlands operates fighter aircraft in the F-16 AM/BM variants. New fifth-generation F-35A combat aircraft have begun to replace them.