The Netherlands is set to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine promptly, as confirmed by Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp during his recent visit to Kyiv. Veldkamp, on his first international trip since assuming office, announced the readiness to dispatch the jets following the approval of export licenses last week.
“With clearance for the first F-16s, they will be delivered without delay,” Veldkamp stated during a press conference in Kyiv on Saturday. The visit details were initially kept confidential for security reasons until Sunday, and while Veldkamp did not specify a delivery date, the Netherlands has committed to sending 24 F-16s.
The decision to send the F-16s comes as part of a new ruling coalition in the Netherlands, in which the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) plays a significant role. The government, along with PVV leader Geert Wilders, has reaffirmed support for Ukraine amidst tensions with Russia.