The last Dutch F-16 fighter jets designated for Ukraine have officially left the Netherlands. According to the Dutch Ministry of Defence, the aircraft departed from Volkel Air Base on May 26 and headed to Belgium, where final preparations for the transfer are taking place. In total, the Netherlands has committed 24 F-16s to Ukraine.
Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans described the departure of the final jet from Volkel as a significant milestone. “It’s a nostalgic moment, as the F-16 has been a core part of our Air Force for decades,” he said. “But as we transition to the F-35, I can’t think of a more meaningful destination for these aircraft than Ukraine. In light of Russia’s daily air strikes, the F-16s are essential for Ukraine’s defense. They help deter Russian aggression – and that matters to us as well.”
He also noted that the entire process of transferring and preparing the aircraft for deployment in Ukraine was remarkable, given how quickly it was carried out. “The Ukrainian Air Force had to make a joint transition to the F-16 in the shortest possible time. In peacetime, this process would normally take years. Now, it was completed in record time,” Brekelmans emphasized. He called it a major achievement by Ukrainian pilots and technicians, and also acknowledged the significant effort made by those in the Netherlands to make it happen, expressing his gratitude for their work.
These fighter jets have played a key role in strengthening Ukraine’s performance on the battlefield. With the help of modern aircraft and their onboard weaponry, Ukrainian forces have successfully intercepted cruise missiles and drones. As previously reported, a Ukrainian pilot recently set a record for the number of aerial targets downed during a single sortie – managing to destroy six cruise missiles in one mission, including two that were taken down using the aircraft’s cannon.
“F-16s have already saved lives,” the defense minister emphasized. “They offer better battlefield awareness and a higher chance of survival compared to the outdated Soviet-era aircraft previously flown by the Ukrainian Air Force.”
According to the Dutch Ministry of Defence, the Netherlands remains actively involved in Ukraine’s F-16 program. Alongside Denmark and the United States, it co-leads the international Air Capabilities Coalition. The country continues to provide a full support package to keep the F-16s operational and combat-ready. This includes training, spare parts, munitions, and fuel. Ukrainian pilots are undergoing training in Romania at the European F-16 Training Center. The Netherlands also plans to establish a training facility for ground crews in the same location.
Source: defensie
