---
title: "F-16s take flight: Netherlands bolsters Ukraine's air defences"
url: https://moldova1.md/p/22035/f-16s-take-flight-netherlands-bolsters-ukraine-s-air-defences
published: 2023-12-22T20:00:00Z
language: en
section: "International"
source: moldova1.md
---

# F-16s take flight: Netherlands bolsters Ukraine's air defences

> The Netherlands has pledged to significantly bolster Ukraine's air defence capabilities with the planned delivery of 18 F-16 fighter jets, as reported by Digi24.ro.

The Netherlands has pledged to significantly bolster Ukraine's air defence capabilities with the planned delivery of 18 F-16 fighter jets, as reported by Digi24.ro.

![](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/a758fcf1-dab3-4274-87ec-49a190cd7b40.jpg)

This critical decision represents a major escalation in Western military support for Ukraine's ongoing struggle against Russian aggression.

*"In a pivotal step towards equipping Ukraine with advanced weaponry,"* Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte declared on Friday, *"our government has decided to prepare an initial number of 18 F-16 fighter jets for delivery to Ukraine."*

Rutte emphasised the crucial role this commitment plays in supporting Ukraine's defence efforts. *"The delivery of F-16s is one of the most important elements of the agreements concluded on military support for Ukraine,"* he stated. These high-performance jets, capable of carrying air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, would significantly enhance Ukraine's ability to counter Russian air superiority.

While the delivery is contingent upon fulfilling specific criteria, this announcement signifies a promising development for Ukraine. *"I spoke with Mark Rutte to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Dutch government for its decision to begin preparing the first 18 F-16s for delivery to Ukraine,"* acknowledged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, underscoring the Netherlands' strategic contribution.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**