Netherlands bolsters Ukraine defense with F‑16 fleet delivery
The Netherlands has completed its delivery of 24 F-16 fighters to Ukraine, Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans confirmed on the television programme WNL on Sunday, as reported by the Bulgarian Military portal. This forms part of NATO's support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
The Netherlands has finalised the delivery of 24 F-16 fighters to Ukraine. The last batch of aircraft arrived on Monday, 26th May, according to Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans.
The Netherlands has completed F-16 deliveries to Ukraine
The F-16 deliveries are part of a broader coalition that also includes Denmark, Belgium, and Norway. These countries have committed to providing Ukraine with additional fighters to enhance its defensive capabilities. The United States is also supporting Ukraine by supplying spare parts for the F-16s.
The introduction of F-16s into the Ukrainian air force aims to modernise its fleet, which has so far relied on outdated Soviet-era aircraft. The modern fighters are intended to help counter the increased Russian air attacks in recent months.
The Dutch F-16s are upgraded models equipped with modern avionics and weapon systems. This upgrade enables Ukraine to defend more effectively against Russian air defence systems, such as the S-400.
International cooperation also includes the training of Ukrainian pilots and technicians at the European F-16 Training Centre in Romania. The Netherlands has provided 18 fighters for training purposes, which is expected to expedite the Ukrainian air force's adaptation to new technologies.
F-16s in Ukraine
It should be noted that these aircraft can achieve speeds of around 1,550 mph, ensuring high mobility. The F-16's weight, approximately 8 tonnes, contributes to the exceptional manoeuvrability of these American fighters.
The offensive capabilities of the F-16 are complemented by munitions mounted on the weapon stations under the fuselage. These stations can accommodate a variety of guided missiles, such as the AGM-65 Maverick or the radar-guided AIM-120 AMRAAM, in addition to bombs.
The F-16 is capable of ascending to altitudes of up to 9 miles. Its standard range is 2,000 miles, which can be extended by an additional 620 miles with extra fuel tanks.
