Ukraine may receive the first F-16 fighters next spring, in 6-8 months.
This was stated by the head of the Netherlands Ministry of Defense Kaisa Ollongren.
&# 8212; I don’t know how long the training will last (APU pilots, —Ed.). In our opinion, this could take six to eight months, which is really very fast compared to the training we do with our pilots, — says the statement.
The Minister says that the Netherlands is also working with a training center in Romania, which they want to launch as soon as possible.
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Kaisa Ollongren added that the question supplies also depend on factors such as the replacement of the nation's air fleet with F-35 fighters.
— We are making the transition to (fighters, —Ed.) F-35. This allows us to deliver F-16s as soon as we make the transition. The same goes for Norway, the same goes for Denmark, so it takes time, — she reported.
The head of the Dutch Ministry of Defense believes that the most important thing in the supply of fighter jets is not only the signal to Ukraine, but also the signal to Russia.
— We will continue to support the Ukrainians as long as necessary, and we will provide them with weapons and ammunition, and we will also work to strengthen their Armed Forces, because after there is peace, Russia will not go anywhere, — Ollongren said.
Earlier it became known that Ukrainian pilots had already begun training on the F-16 in Denmark.
Ukrainian pilots were also allowed to train in Greece and Portugal.
At least three countries are now known — The Netherlands, Denmark and Norway — who want to supply F-16 fighters to Ukraine. In particular, Belgium may also join in providing aircraft.
