IRIA News

3 minute read

Minister of Defense of the Netherlands Ruben Brekelmans announced his country’s plans to invest 400 million euros ($440 million) in advanced drone development with Ukraine and pledged to deliver F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine in the coming months.

During an unannounced visit to Kyiv and Kharkiv on October 6, 2024, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans revealed that the Netherlands will invest €400 million in a collaborative drone development project with Ukraine.

Brekelmans announced the launch of a Drone Action Plan during his visit to Kyiv and Kharkiv. He highlighted, “With €400M, we will provide advanced drones for reconnaissance, defense, and attack. Nearly half will be developed in the Netherlands.”

This initiative is aimed at creating advanced reconnaissance, defensive, and attack drones, leveraging Dutch technological expertise and Ukraine’s combat experience to enhance battlefield capabilities.

For the first time, I can officially announce that the first Dutch F-16s have been delivered to Ukraine.

This is urgently needed. In Kharkiv, I saw the damage from Russian airstrikes and heard frequent air raid alarms.

The rest of the 24 jets will follow in the coming months. pic.twitter.com/Oq6IbxQyWP

— Ruben Brekelmans (@DefensieMin) October 6, 2024

Brekelmans also confirmed that the Netherlands is delivering additional military aid, including F-16 fighter jets. The first batch of 24 F-16s has already arrived, with more scheduled to follow in the coming months, Brekelmans revealed.

This support is part of the broader €3.76 billion in military assistance the Netherlands has provided to Ukraine, which includes air defense systems, howitzers, and ammunition. The investment underscores the Netherlands’ commitment to helping Ukraine counter Russia’s ongoing aggression.

During his Ukraine visit, Brekelmans met with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and discussed Ukraine’s ongoing efforts. Following the talks with the Dutch delegation, the Ukrainian defense minister said, “I am sincerely grateful for the comprehensive assistance provided by the Netherlands for protection against Russian aggression.”

“The F-16s in our skies are a testament to the unwavering support of the Kingdom’s [Netherland’s] people and government. We agreed to enhance cooperation within the aviation coalition, including crew training and the supply of weapons and spare parts for aircraft. Together with our team, we urged partners to invest even more in Ukrainian defense production.”

Earlier in August, Royal Dutch Air Force General Onno Eichelsheim said that Ukraine could use the F-16s provided by the Netherlands to conduct strikes on Russian territory. He highlighted that the Dutch government “has not imposed any restrictions on the use or range of the F-16s”. “Ukraine can use the resources we provide as it wishes, provided that it adheres to the laws of war,” he added.

The war in Ukraine has settled into a grueling conflict, with both sides making incremental gains but neither able to achieve a decisive breakthrough. Ukraine’s much-vaunted counteroffensive, which began earlier this year, has largely stalled as Russian forces have fortified their positions and launched their own assaults in the east. Zelenskyy’s government faces a critical manpower shortage on the front lines, as Ukrainian troops work to repel Russia’s grinding advances.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has appealed for more significant military support, urging Western countries to lift restrictions on the use of long-range weapons so that Ukraine could strike deep into Russian territory. Zelenskyy said, “We want Ukraine to not be forgotten… the best way not to forget about Ukraine is to provide the appropriate weapons and the necessary permissions.”

As the war drags into its third year, the situation remains tense, with no end in sight. NATO’s continued support will be crucial for Ukraine as it seeks to fend off Russian advances and ultimately secure its territory.