The Netherlands approves the transfer of the first 18 F-16 fighters to Ukraine

The Netherlands will transfer the first 18 F-16 aircraft to Ukraine. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte announced.

"Besides an export permit, a number of other criteria must also still be met before delivery can take place, including requirements for personnel and infrastructure," Rutte wrote on X.  

In the phone conversation, the two leaders discussed, among other things, the situation in the Black Sea and Ukraine's military needs, including artillery, drones and air defence equipment, as well as the European Council's decision to start EU accession talks with Ukraine.

"I’m impressed with Ukraine’s progress so far... Netherlands will make every effort to ensure agreement is reached at the European Council meeting in February 2024 on financial support from the EU," the Dutch prime minister added.

It will be recalled that in October 2023, Ukrainian pilots began training on F-16 fighter jets at the 162nd Arizona National Guard in the United States.