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The last Dutch F-16 fighter jets destined for Ukraine have left Volkel Air Base in the Netherlands for Belgium on May 26, 2025, where they will be prepared for delivery to the Ukrainian Air Force.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In total, the Netherlands is transferring 24 F-16s to the Ukrainian Air Force as part of the multinational aviation coalition that also includes Denmark, Norway, and more recently, Belgium.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans was present at the departure ceremony in Volkel, describing the moment as \u201cnostalgic\u201d and \u201cimportant.\u201d He noted the central role the F-16 played in the Royal Netherlands Air Force for decades before its replacement by the F-35, calling Ukraine \u201cthe best possible destination\u201d for the aircraft.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause of the daily Russian air strikes, the F-16s are of vital importance to Ukraine,\u201d Brekelmans said. \u201cThey have already saved lives.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
According to Dutch officials, Ukrainian forces have already achieved battlefield successes with the aircraft, reportedly using them to intercept cruise missiles and drones. The minister praised both Ukrainian and Dutch personnel for the speed of the transition. \u201cIn peacetime, this takes years. It has now been done in record time,\u201d Brekelmans said.\u00a0<\/p>\n