Netherlands to Buy €150M Worth of F-16 Weapons, €200M Drones for Ukraine

The Netherlands is allocating over €150 million for the purchase of ammunition for Ukraine, in addition to a contribution exceeding €200 million in drone technology.

The allocated funds will cover air-to-ground weapons for the F-16s destined for Ukraine, which can be deployed by these aircraft. The procurement of this ammunition will be directly from the industry. Minister Kajsa Ollongren announced this decision following a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) on March 19.

Furthermore, the Netherlands is fulfilling its previous commitment by dispatching F-16 fighter aircraft to Romania. These aircraft will be utilized in a training center for Ukrainian and Romanian pilots. This commitment extends beyond the aircraft themselves, encompassing all associated spare parts and ammunition. Commander of the Armed Forces, General Onno Eichelsheim, confirmed this during the UDCG meeting held yesterday.

Leading the UDCG air force coalition alongside Denmark and the United States, the Netherlands is providing 18 Dutch F-16s for training purposes in Romania. Additionally, 24 other Dutch F-16s are slated for delivery to Ukraine, with preparations underway in coordination with coalition partners.

In a separate initiative, the Netherlands is contributing over €200 million towards the acquisition of drones, specifically Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) drones, for donation to Ukraine. This decision is made in consultation with allied partners and the Ukrainian armed forces. “These drones are already in use and have proven themselves on the battlefield,” said Minister Ollongren.

Pentagon Sets Guidelines for Ukrainian F-16 Use Amidst Russian-Ukrainian Conflict

The Pentagon has reportedly set "red lines" regarding the use of Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, stating they should only be used within Ukraine's sovereign territory.

This stance was conveyed by Patrick Ryder, the U.S. Department of Defense Press Secretary, in an interview with RFE/RL.

Ukrainian pilots are expected to receive training on F-16s in Romania, with approval from Romanian President Klaus Iohannis. The delivery of six F-16s to Ukraine is expected by the summer, with 12 pilots anticipated to be combat-ready after training in Denmark, Britain, and the United States.