International

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.

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

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