Dutch F‑16 jets bolster Ukraine's air defense against Russia
The Netherlands has completed the delivery of 24 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, confirmed Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans on the television program "WNL op Zondag," reports the Bulgarian Military portal. This is part of NATO's support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
The Netherlands finalized the delivery of these 24 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. The last batch arrived on Monday, May 26, as confirmed by Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans.
The Netherlands completes F-16 deliveries to Ukraine
The F-16 deliveries are part of a broader coalition that includes Denmark, Belgium, and Norway. These countries have pledged to provide Ukraine with additional fighter jets to strengthen its defensive capabilities. The United States is also supporting Ukraine by supplying spare parts for the F-16s.
The introduction of F-16s into the Ukrainian air force aims to modernize its fleet, which has so far relied on outdated Soviet-era aircraft. The modern fighter jets are intended to help counter increased Russian air attacks in recent months.
The Dutch F-16s are upgraded models equipped with modern avionics and weaponry systems. This provides Ukraine with the ability to more effectively defend against Russian air defense systems such as the S-400.
International cooperation also includes training Ukrainian pilots and technicians at the F-16 European Training Center in Romania. The Netherlands has supplied 18 fighter jets there for training purposes to accelerate the adaptation process of the Ukrainian air force to new technologies.
F-16s in Ukraine
The designs of these jets allow them to reach speeds of about 1,550 mph, providing great mobility. It's also worth noting the F-16's weight, which stands at 18,000 pounds, contributing to its exceptional maneuverability.
The offensive capabilities of the F-16 stem from the ammunition mounted on weapon stations under the fuselage. A variety of guided missiles, such as the AGM-65 Maverick or the radar-guided AIM-120 AMRAAM, can be placed on these stations, as well as bombs.
The F-16 is capable of ascending to altitudes up to 49,000 feet. The standard range of this fighter is 2,000 miles, though with additional fuel tanks, it can be increased by another 620 miles.
