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.
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.
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans was present at the departure ceremony in Volkel, describing the moment as “nostalgic” and “important.” 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 “the best possible destination” for the aircraft.
“Because of the daily Russian air strikes, the F-16s are of vital importance to Ukraine,” Brekelmans said. “They have already saved lives.”
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. “In peacetime, this takes years. It has now been done in record time,” Brekelmans said.
What capabilities will the Dutch F-16 fighters bring to Ukraine?
The Royal Netherlands Air Force operated upgraded F-16A/B Block 20 MLU jets, which were modernized between 2003 and 2005. These aircraft feature a Head-Up Display for night flying, GPS, and an AN/APG-66 radar. They can carry six AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles (range: 150 km), drop guided bombs like the GBU-24 and JDAM, and use Sniper or Litening targeting pods.
The Netherlands retired its F-16s on September 27, 2024, after 45 years of service. The roles previously performed by the F-16, including air defense and ground attack, are now taken over by the fully operational F-35.
Although the F-16s have departed from Dutch soil, the Netherlands remains actively involved in supporting Ukraine’s F-16 fleet. The country continues to co-lead the F-16 coalition alongside Denmark and the United States, providing training, spare parts, munitions, and fuel.
Dutch F-16s are currently being used to train Ukrainian pilots at the European F-16 Training Center (EFTC) in Romania, which operates with 18 Dutch jets. The Netherlands also plans to establish a training facility for ground crews in the same location to further strengthen Ukraine’s operational readiness.
Belgium to begin deliveries, “no delays from us”
Belgium is also preparing to send its first F-16s to Ukraine later this year. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever recently reaffirmed his country’s commitment, telling RBC-Ukraine:
“It’s simple: we receive the F-35s, you get the F-16s. But don’t doubt that we will fulfill our promise to send all the fighter jets to your country as soon as possible. There will be no delays from Belgium in supplying the F-16s.”
With an eventual commitment to donate up to 30 F-16s by 2028, Belgium plans to deliver two aircraft for spare parts in 2025, followed by two operational jets in 2026.
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken confirmed that the transfer of F-16s to Ukraine will be accelerated later in 2025.
“We will try to transfer these fighters even earlier than planned,” Francken said during an EU Defense Council meeting in Brussels on May 20, 2025.
Delivery timeline hinges on F-35 delays
However, Belgium’s ability to transfer more F-16s remains tied to the delivery of its new F-35A fighters. In August 2023, the Belgian Ministry of Defense confirmed delays in receiving its first two F-35s, which had been scheduled for delivery at the end of that year.
Citing ongoing software certification and testing issues on the US side, Belgian officials anticipated a minimum six-month delay. The holdup also affects pilot training, which was originally set to begin in the United States alongside aircraft delivery.
Despite these setbacks, De Wever and Francken both emphasized that Belgium stands ready to fulfill its pledges once the F-35s arrive.
Ukraine’s western airpower takes shape
Ukraine received its first F-16s in early August 2024, with President Zelenskyy confirming their combat debut on August 27, 2025. With deliveries from the Netherlands complete, Belgium initiating transfers, and Denmark and Norway also contributing aircraft and training, Ukraine’s Western fighter fleet is taking tangible shape after years of diplomatic negotiation.
But Ukraine’s airpower transformation extends beyond the F-16. On May 23, 2025, Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defence for Aviation Development Oleksandr Kozenko met with a Swedish delegation led by Thomas Lindén of Saab to explore renewed cooperation.
Sweden had initially considered sending up to ten JAS 39 Gripen fighters in 2023, but those plans were paused in 2024. The delay was due to concerns that introducing both the F-16s and Gripens simultaneously would overwhelm Ukraine’s training and logistics capabilities.
However, Ukraine’s recent integration of French-supplied Mirage 2000-5 fighters alongside the F-16s showcased its ability to operate diverse Western platforms and may renew discussions about the Swedish Gripen.
