Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans attended the send-off in Volkel, calling it a significant moment. “It is a nostalgic moment, because the F-16s have played such a central role in our air force for decades,” he said.
“But now that we are saying goodbye as we transition to the F-35, I couldn’t think of a better destination than Ukraine,” Brekelmans added. “Due to the daily Russian airstrikes, the F-16s are vital for Ukraine, allowing them to keep Russian aggression at bay — also on our behalf.”
The rapid transfer and deployment of the aircraft made a strong impression on all involved. “The Ukrainian Air Force had to undergo a shared transition to the F-16 in no time — something that normally takes years in peacetime,” Brekelmans said.
He praised the efforts of both Ukrainian and Dutch personnel in achieving this goal. “An impressive performance by the Ukrainian pilots and technicians — but also on the Dutch side, our people have worked extremely hard to make this happen. I have great appreciation for that.”
According to Ukrainian sources, the F-16s have already delivered results on the battlefield. The jets have reportedly intercepted cruise missiles and drones, with Brekelmans emphasising: “They have already saved lives.”
He added that the F-16s offer better battlefield awareness and survivability than the outdated Soviet aircraft previously used by Ukraine. “The F-16s have a better overview of the battlefield and a higher chance of survival,” he stated.
The Netherlands remains actively involved in Ukraine’s F-16 programme. Alongside Denmark and the United States, it co-leads the international F-16 coalition, ensuring the jets are used effectively.
The Netherlands also continues to provide comprehensive support to keep the F-16s operational. This includes training, spare parts, ammunition, and fuel.
Ukrainian pilots are currently being trained in Romania at the European F-16 Training Centre (EFTC), which uses 18 Dutch F-16s. The Netherlands also plans to establish a training centre for ground crew in the same location.
