The training centre was established with significant input from the Netherlands, which contributed all 18 F-16s for pilot training. The first five aircraft were delivered in November 2023, and the full complement has been achieved within a year. “Defence has delivered excellent work. Less than a year after the centre’s establishment, the training programme now has all the aircraft designated by the Netherlands,” said the Dutch project leader for the training centre.
The Netherlands, alongside Denmark and the United States, has played a leading role in training Ukrainian pilots on F-16s and coordinating deliveries of the aircraft to Ukraine. The three nations have spearheaded an international coalition to strengthen Ukraine’s air capabilities, with Dutch efforts led by Major General Arnoud Stallmann.
In addition to supporting training efforts, the Netherlands is supplying 24 F-16s directly to Ukraine to assist in its defence against Russia. Due to operational security concerns, specific details about these deliveries are being communicated with caution.
