Netherlands to deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.

According to a statement released by the Dutch government on Friday, the Netherlands would provide Ukraine with 18 F-16 fighter planes to assist Ukrainian forces in their struggle against Russia’s invasion.

“Today I informed President Zelenskiy of our government’s decision to prepare an initial 18 F-16 fighter aircraft for delivery to Ukraine,” interim Prime Minister Mark Rutte said in a post on social media platform X. “It is our intention to provide Ukraine with a significant number of fighter aircraft.”

“The delivery of F-16s is one of the most important elements of the agreements made on military support for Ukraine.”

Rutte noted that the delivery of the fighter planes is still dependent on the approval of an export permit by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the fulfillment of criteria for staff and infrastructure in Ukraine. He did not provide a date for these decisions.

On the other hand, according to the administration, the declaration made it feasible to set aside finances and personnel to have the planes ready for delivery.

“I spoke with Mark Rutte to thank the Dutch government for its decision to start preparing the initial 18 F-16 jets for their delivery to Ukraine,” the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, stated on X. “I am grateful to the Dutch government for this decision.”

Last month, the Netherlands sent its first F-16s manufactured in the United States to a new training center in Romania intended for Ukrainian pilots and staff.

In addition, Denmark, Norway, and Belgium have declared their intention to provide Ukraine with F-16 aircraft. This came after the United States government approved the aircraft to be sent to defend against Russia as soon as pilot training was finished.