Final Dutch F-16s Supplied for Training Ukrainian Pilots
The Netherlands has finalized the transfer of 18 F-16 fighter jets to a base in Romania, which is being used to train Ukrainian pilots. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The Netherlands has fulfilled its commitment by supplying 18 fighter jets to a Romanian air base, as stated by its defense ministry.
According to the announcement from the Dutch military on Wednesday, the final two of the 18 F-16 fighter jets designated for training Ukrainian pilots were delivered to an air base in Romania. The Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans confirmed that the handover took place at the 86th air base, where Western instructors train Kyiv's air force to operate the US-made aircraft.
As a member of the F-16 coalition, the Netherlands is contributing NATO-standard warplanes to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The Netherlands had agreed to donate these aircraft, which were scheduled for retirement from its national air force, as part of the training program.
Additionally, the Netherlands has committed to providing 24 F-16s for the Ukrainian military's combat fleet, with deliveries reportedly having begun in October. The entire shipment is anticipated to be completed within a few months.
While the impact of previously delivered F-16s from the US remains uncertain, Ukraine received the aircraft in late July or early August. Ukrainian officials have reported the loss of one of these planes during a combat mission, attributing the incident to a pilot error.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, in an interview with PBS News on Monday, noted that specific Western weapon systems alone may not be sufficient to alter the current battlefield situation. He remarked, “We have provided the tanks. We have provided the F-16s. We have provided the HIMARS. We have provided the Patriots. Have we seen a marked difference since we have provided tanks to Ukraine in terms of the battlefield? Similarly, on F-16s, have we seen a marked difference?”
According to Sullivan, the solution to Ukraine's immediate battlefield challenges lies in increasing troop presence at the front lines.
Denmark, Belgium, and Norway have also pledged to supply F-16s to Ukraine. In response, Moscow has asserted that no amount of Western weaponry can change the outcome of the conflict, alleging that the US and its allies aim to fight Russia "to the last Ukrainian."
Anna Muller for TROIB News
According to the announcement from the Dutch military on Wednesday, the final two of the 18 F-16 fighter jets designated for training Ukrainian pilots were delivered to an air base in Romania. The Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans confirmed that the handover took place at the 86th air base, where Western instructors train Kyiv's air force to operate the US-made aircraft.
As a member of the F-16 coalition, the Netherlands is contributing NATO-standard warplanes to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The Netherlands had agreed to donate these aircraft, which were scheduled for retirement from its national air force, as part of the training program.
Additionally, the Netherlands has committed to providing 24 F-16s for the Ukrainian military's combat fleet, with deliveries reportedly having begun in October. The entire shipment is anticipated to be completed within a few months.
While the impact of previously delivered F-16s from the US remains uncertain, Ukraine received the aircraft in late July or early August. Ukrainian officials have reported the loss of one of these planes during a combat mission, attributing the incident to a pilot error.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, in an interview with PBS News on Monday, noted that specific Western weapon systems alone may not be sufficient to alter the current battlefield situation. He remarked, “We have provided the tanks. We have provided the F-16s. We have provided the HIMARS. We have provided the Patriots. Have we seen a marked difference since we have provided tanks to Ukraine in terms of the battlefield? Similarly, on F-16s, have we seen a marked difference?”
According to Sullivan, the solution to Ukraine's immediate battlefield challenges lies in increasing troop presence at the front lines.
Denmark, Belgium, and Norway have also pledged to supply F-16s to Ukraine. In response, Moscow has asserted that no amount of Western weaponry can change the outcome of the conflict, alleging that the US and its allies aim to fight Russia "to the last Ukrainian."
Anna Muller for TROIB News
