The Netherlands and Denmark Will Provide Ukraine With F-16 Fighter Jets
The Netherlands and Denmark commit to supplying F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine 'after the conditions for such transfer are met,' said Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is on an official visit to the Netherlands. The Ukrainian leader stated that the parties have agreed on the transfer of 42 F-16 aircraft.
Zelensky announced this on his Twitter account.
"Today, we have taken another step to strengthen Ukraine's air shield. F-16. These aircraft will be used to deter Russian terrorists from Ukrainian cities. Mark Rutte and I have agreed on the number of F-16s that will be handed over to Ukraine after our pilots and engineers complete their training. 42 jet aircraft. And this is just the beginning," the president wrote.
The leaders of the countries announced the aircraft transfer during a visit to the Royal Netherlands Air Force base in Eindhoven, where President Zelensky inspected two F-16 fighter jets and familiarized himself with the technical servicing aspects of American aircraft.
During the meeting, the sides also discussed the situation on the battlefield and the progress of Ukrainian forces. Additionally, they discussed the reinforcement of anti-aircraft defense with modern anti-aircraft missile systems and the Netherlands' readiness to join the BMP CV90 coalition initiated by Sweden.
"We highly value the Netherlands' comprehensive and strong support for Ukraine," emphasized Zelensky.
Furthermore, today, the Ministry of Defense of Denmark declared its readiness to jointly transfer F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine with the Netherlands and to continue efforts to expand the list of countries within the so-called 'aviation coalition.' Denmark will provide Ukraine with 19 F-16 aircraft.
"I am proud that Denmark, alongside the Netherlands, will transfer F-16 fighter jets to support Ukraine's fight for freedom against Russia and its senseless aggression. Denmark's support for Ukraine is unwavering, and with the transfer of F-16 fighter jets, Denmark is a leader in this matter," stated Danish Defense Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen.
It was recently announced that the United States has agreed to provide training plans for Ukrainian pilots who will undergo training courses on F-16 fighter jets.
Additionally, the Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, confirmed receiving approval from the United States for the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine after the completion of pilots' training. Copenhagen sent a request to Washington regarding the aircraft supply to Kyiv and received a 'friendly response.'
The approval of the United States for F-16 deliveries to Ukraine is considered crucial for the Ukrainian military's capabilities to defend against Russian aggression.
Ukraine has repeatedly expressed its need for modern fighter jets, and recently, it initiated a long-awaited counteroffensive against superior Russian forces without air cover, which is an exceptionally challenging and risky task.
Recall that the Ukrainian president visited Sweden recently for a working visit. Following the meeting with high-ranking Swedish officials, the parties managed to reach agreements on potential supplies of Swedish Gripen aircraft, joint production of BMP CV90, and support for the Ukrainian peace formula.