The Netherlands sent the last batch of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine

This information is reported by the  press service of the Ministry of Defence of the Netherlands.

According to the information, the Minister of Defence, Ruben Brekelmans, was present at Volkel Air Base. He characterized it as a nostalgic moment, as the F-16s had been an important part of the Dutch Air Force for decades.

"But now, as we bid farewell to them due to the transition to the F-35, I could not imagine a better destination than Ukraine. In the context of daily Russian airstrikes, F-16s are crucial for Ukraine. This helps deter Russian aggression, and we support it," the minister noted.

He emphasized that in peacetime, training on these fighters takes years, but Ukrainian pilots and technicians have been able to master these aircraft "in record time."

According to him, F-16s have already helped Ukrainian military forces shoot down cruise missiles and drones, thereby saving lives. The minister noted that these aircraft have better technical capabilities and higher survivability in combat compared to the Soviet ones that Ukraine had been using until now.

As reported by the country’s Ministry of Defence, the Netherlands has transferred a total of 24 fighter jets to Ukraine. They will also continue to supply everything necessary for the maintenance of the F-16s - spare parts, ammunition, and fuel.