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The Netherlands will be able to deliver the first batch of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine this summer.
Kajsa Ollongren said this in an interview with European Pravda.
“I think we’re on track now […] A really fast track, much faster than anybody else has ever done at the training in F-16s. And from this summer, I expect that the first F-16s will actually be delivered to Ukraine, and from there on, [be] in constant flow by increasing and strengthening the Ukrainian air force […] I cannot be exact that why i say this summer,” Ollongren announced.
Previously, the Defence Ministry of the Netherlands planned to launch deliveries in autumn, later than Denmark which promised Ukraine would get first jets in the summer. However, Kajsa Ollongren mentioned that Denmark would still outpace her country.
The minister pointed out that Ukraine was also on track for receiving the jets, meaning working on the infrastructure to provide security for the aircraft.
She reiterated the position of the Dutch Defence Ministry on strikes inside Russia and confirmed that Ukraine can decide on the use of F-16s itself according to its needs in self-defence.
Ollongren is convinced, and strives to convince other Ukraine’s allies, that allowing Ukraine to use Western weapons only within the Ukrainian territory leaves it “with one hand on its back”.
