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Ukraine Confirms Arrival of US-Made F-16 Fighters from Netherlands

Feb 06, 2025 17:07

1 min read

Authors: Lucile Brizard
Author

Netherland’s Air Force F-16 jetfighters take part in the NATO exercise as part of the NATO Air Policing mission, in Alliance members' sovereign airspace on July 4, 2023.(Source: Getty Images)

Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said on February 6 the Netherlands had delivered US made F-16 fighters to Ukraine.

The aircraft, along with French Mirage jets, "will soon begin carrying out combat missions, strengthening our defence", Umerov said on Facebook.

Adding, “The Netherlands’ support is another significant step that brings us closer to victory and ensures the reliable protection of Ukrainian cities and citizens.”

(Source: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine)

F-16 fighter jets, long sought by Ukraine for their firepower and widespread availability, are equipped with a 20mm cannon and capable of carrying bombs, rockets, and missiles, also successfully intercept Russian cruise missiles.

In addition to supplying the jets, the Netherlands will continue training Ukrainian pilots, engineers, and technicians.

Earlier, France delivered the first batch of Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine, Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed on February 6. Ukrainian pilots, trained in France for several months, will now deploy the aircraft for air defense.