The Netherlands is “seriously considering” transferring F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, but has not yet made a final decision, Prime Minister Mark Rutte said.
Earlier this week, the Netherlands said it wanted to start training Ukrainian F-16 pilots “as soon as possible”.
Asked if his country would send fighter jets to Ukraine, Rutte said the final decision had not yet been made, but added: “If someone starts training (pilots), it’s obvious that they are seriously thinking about it.” Any decision is subject to US approval or not, he explained, noting that the Netherlands would likely send fighter jets as it is currently in the F-16 phase-out phase.
The Netherlands currently has 24 operational F-16s that will be retired by mid-2024, with 18 more up for sale, according to the MoD.
Last week, US President Joe Biden approved training programs for Ukrainian F-16 pilots, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky assured him that the planes would not be used in operations on Russian soil.
Source: APE-MPE, Reuters.
Source: Kathimerini
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