Netherlands approves delivery of F-16s to Ukraine

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【Summary】The US has approved the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, according to the Dutch defence minister. The move will provide Ukraine with the combat edge it needs in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The Netherlands, along with other Western countries, has pledged to train Ukrainian pilots to fly the F-16s. The delivery of the fighter jets will not have an immediate impact on the conflict, but is seen as a significant milestone for Ukraine's defence.

FutureCar Staff Aug 18, 2023 8:42 AM PT

Netherlands approves delivery of F-16s to Ukraine

The United States has given its approval for the Netherlands to deliver F-16s to Ukraine, according to the Dutch defense minister. This is seen as a major gain for Kyiv, although the fighter jets will not have an immediate impact on the ongoing war. The Dutch defense minister welcomed the US decision and stated that it allows them to proceed with the training of Ukrainian pilots. They also mentioned staying in close contact with European partners to determine the next steps.

Ukraine has been requesting sophisticated fighters like the F-16s to gain a combat edge. The country recently launched a counteroffensive against Russian forces without air cover, leaving its troops vulnerable to Russian aviation and artillery. In addition to delivering the warplanes, Ukraine's allies also need to provide pilot training. The US has emphasized the importance of the F-16s and advanced US Abrams tanks in countering Russia in the long term.

The Netherlands is part of a Western coalition that pledged to train Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16s. Other countries in the coalition include Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The approval from the United States is necessary since the planes are manufactured there. The Dutch foreign minister described the US clearance as a significant milestone in Ukraine's defense.

It is unclear when the first F-16s could be delivered to Ukraine. Denmark has already started training Ukrainian pilots and is considering delivering jets to Kyiv. However, the pilots would require six to eight months of training before any possible aircraft donation can be realized.

In other news, Russian air defenses intercepted drone attacks on central Moscow and the country's ships in the Black Sea. The Russian Ministry of Defense attributed these attempted strikes to Ukraine. A Ukrainian drone was shot down over central Moscow, causing no injuries or fire. Flights were temporarily suspended at major Moscow airports. Another drone attack was reported near the border Belgorod region and an unmanned boat attempted to attack Russian ships in the Black Sea. The Russian defense ministry labeled these incidents as terrorist attacks by the Kyiv regime.