Dutch Defence Minister Kaisa Ollongren announced that her country will transfer the first F-16s to Ukraine this summer. After this, deliveries of these combat aircraft will be put on stream.
She reported this in an interview with the media. Ukraine will first receive aircraft from Denmark and then from the Netherlands, in accordance with the general plan of both countries.
“I expect that starting this summer, the first F-16s will be delivered to Ukraine, and from then on, supplies of these combat aircraft will be put on stream. There will be more and more aircraft, and this will strengthen your Air Force,” Kaisa said Ollongren.
She also noted that the F-16s themselves will not change the course of the war, but will significantly strengthen the Air Force and Air Defence of Ukraine.
“These fighters will arrive gradually. Combat use will show their effectiveness. If someone expects an immediate effect, then I advise you to be more realistic,” Ollongren said.
The minister also noted that the Ukrainian Armed Forces will independently decide how to use combat aircraft. They will also be able to strike military targets on Russian territory if necessary for self-defence.
"When you receive fighter jets, only your military will decide how to use them. You are waging a war against the aggressor. This is self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. We have always said as long as Ukraine repels the attack and respects International Humanitarian Law, you can strike as well at military targets on the other side of the border, if necessary for self-defence."