Yesterday, during the NATO Public Forum in Washington, D.C., U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin announced that the transfer of F-16s to Ukraine is officially underway. He confirmed that “a coalition of countries has been working tirelessly to provide F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine…. Today President Biden, alongside the Dutch and Danish prime ministers, is proud to announce the transfer of F-16s is officially underway, and Ukraine will be flying F-16s this summer.”
Ukraine’s defense ministry announced that the Dutch Ministry of Defense is purchasing ammunition for the F-16s, and thanked the Netherlands for strengthening the air defense capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force, stating on X:
The Netherlands is purchasing more than €300 million worth of ammunition for the F-16s. We are grateful to our Dutch friends and partners from @defensie for this important decision. Thank you for your co-leadership in the Air Force Capability Coalition and the previously announced decision to donate 24 Dutch F-16s to Ukraine. F-16s will definitely strengthen the defense of our cities and the capabilities of 🇺🇦 defense forces in the air. 🇺🇦🤝🇳🇱
Dutch Minister of Defense Ruben Brekelmans said that armament for the F-16s is necessary:
Every day we see how important air defense is for Ukraine against Russia’s aggression. Armament for the F-16s is essential. @ZelenskyyUa we could therefore report that 🇳🇱 is purchasing €300 million in additional ammunition for the 🇺🇦 F-16s.
