The Netherlands is releasing an additional €300 million for the purchase of ammunition for F-16s that the Netherlands will soon deliver to Ukraine, among other countries. This is in addition to the €150 million that was previously reserved for this purpose. This concerns F-16 armament that is purchased directly from the industry. Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced this today during the NATO summit in Washington.
“The Ukrainians should not only be able to fly the F-16s. They should also be able to deploy the aircraft,” Brekelmans said. “Armament is therefore crucial. With the ammunition we purchase, the F-16s can help to repel Russian attacks. Putin's aggression knows no bounds, our support must therefore continue at full speed. By purchasing this extra F-16 ammunition, we also want to send the message to Moscow that NATO allies will continue to support Ukraine unabated. Russia must not win this war, this is also in the interest of our security.”
Air Force Capability Coalition
The Netherlands, together with Denmark and the United States, leads the so-called Air Force Capability Coalition (AFCC).
The Netherlands is making 18 F-16s available for the European F-16 training centre in Romania. In addition, 24 Dutch F-16s will be transferred to Ukraine.
Operational safety
The handover of the first F-16s by the AFCC to Ukraine is fast approaching, from the perspective of operational security the details are communicated with restraint. This is also at the explicit request of Ukraine.
Can someone remind me when these are supposed to be operational in Ukraine? Is it this fall?
The only accurate answer is probably along the lines of "a few months before we all hear about it".
This summer