Netherlands Commits €400M to Ukraine Drone Plan, Delivers F-16s

Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced that approximately €400 million will be made available for a new drone action plan during his visit to Kyiv and Kharkiv.

This initiative aims to develop advanced drones and accelerate the production of prototypes, with nearly half of the development occurring in the Netherlands.

The plan includes reconnaissance, defense, and attack drones for air, land, and sea applications. Minister Brekelmans emphasized the importance of speed in the development of drone technologies, stating that combining Dutch technological knowledge with Ukrainian battlefield experience can lead to innovative and effective unmanned systems.

Brekelmans also confirmed that the first of 24 promised Dutch F-16s have been delivered to Ukraine. The Netherlands has provided approximately €3.76 billion in military aid to Ukraine, including support for maintenance and operational sustainability of delivered systems like Panzer howitzers, Patriots, and F-16s. Other contributions include €450 million for ammunition acquisition and €80 million for maintenance contracts, spare parts, and additional military equipment such as combat vehicles, fire support, and air defense systems.