The Netherlands may have its own fighter jets to supply as the country phases out the F-16s.
The Netherlands is considering moving its F-16 fighters to Ukraine, but has yet to make a final decision. This was announced at a press conference on Friday, May 26, by Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte, Reuters reports.
So, when asked if the Netherlands will send fighter jets to Ukraine, Rutte said that a final decision on this matter has not yet been made.
As you know, the Netherlands led a coalition to train Ukrainian pilots in F-16 fighters. Rutte recalled this fact, indicating a logical continuation.
“If you start training (pilots – ed.), it’s obvious that you’re thinking seriously,” he said.
Any decision to transfer the F-16 is subject to US approval, Rutte said. He added that the Netherlands may have its own fighter jets to provide as the country stops operating the F-16.
According to the Dutch Ministry of Defense, the country currently has 24 F-16s in service, which will be decommissioned in mid-2024. Another 18 aircraft are available for sale, 12 of which have been pre- sold, Reuters writes.
It will be recalled that a week ago it was learned that the Dutch government canceled an agreement to sell its F-16 fighter jet to a private company, Draken International. This came after the United States supported a joint effort to train Ukrainian pilots on fourth-generation fighter jets, including the F-16.
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.