Current:Home > MarketsThe Dutch government has taken another step toward donating 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
The Dutch government has taken another step toward donating 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine
View Date:2024-12-23 19:52:57
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Dutch government announced Friday it is preparing to give 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, in a boost for the embattled nation that is growing increasingly anxious about aid from its Western allies.
The Dutch defense minister, Kajsa Ollongren, sent a letter to parliament outlining the plan to donate the sophisticated jets that was first unveiled in the summer.
Friday’s decision is a significant step toward sending the planes into the skies over Ukraine, but did not say when they will be delivered.
The government said the move “allows personnel and budget to be allocated to prepare the devices” to be sent to Ukraine.
“With F-16s, Ukraine can better defend itself against Russian attacks,” Ollongren said in a statement. She added that the planes are “extremely important because the ongoing Russian aggression shows no sign of ending. That is why we are continuing unabated with our support for Ukraine.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited a military airbase in the southern Dutch city of Eindhoven in August to inspect two of the jets on the day that the Netherland and Denmark said they would donate planes to boost the Ukrainian war effort.
Last month, Romania inaugurated an international training hub for F-16 jet pilots from allied countries and other partners, including Ukraine. The training facility at an air base in southeast Romania will aim to increase interoperability between NATO allies, and better position the military alliance “to face the complex challenges” in Eastern Europe and the Black Sea region, Romania’s defense ministry said.
Romania said at the time that the powerful U.S.-made warplanes would be supplied by the Dutch air force while the aircraft maker Lockheed Martin would provide instructors and maintenance at the training center.
The Dutch government said Friday it still has to decide whether to grant an export permit for the planes “to prevent undesirable end use.” The foreign ministry will make the assessment based on European Union weapon export rules.
Ukrainian pilots must have completed F-16 training before the jets can be delivered and infrastructure in Ukraine also must be prepared for the planes, the government added.
___
Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
veryGood! (886)
Related
- 2 striking teacher unions in Massachusetts face growing fines for refusing to return to classroom
- Remains of baby found in U.K. following couple's arrest
- Formula 1's new fandom; plus, Christian Horner is always on the offense
- Katy Perry Gives Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie a Mullet Makeover on American Idol
- Trump hammered Democrats on transgender issues. Now the party is at odds on a response
- HBO estimates 2.9 million watched 'Succession' finale on Sunday night
- Central Park birder Christian Cooper on being 'a Black man in the natural world'
- Little Richard Documentary celebrates the talent — and mystery — of a legend
- Watch as massive amount of crabs scamper across Australian island: 'It's quite weird'
- Isle of Paradise, Peter Thomas Roth, MAC Cosmetics, It Cosmetics, and More Beauty Deals From Top Brands
Ranking
- Biden funded new factories and infrastructure projects, but Trump might get to cut the ribbons
- 'Never Have I Ever' is the show we wish we had in high school
- Prince Harry and Meghan asked to vacate royal Frogmore Cottage home as it's reportedly offered to Prince Andrew
- TikToker Taylor Frankie Paul Arrested on Domestic Violence Charges
- Jason Kelce Offers Up NSFW Explanation for Why Men Have Beards
- 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts' has got your fightin' robots right here
- Brendan Fraser Rides the Wave to Success With Big 2023 SAG Awards Win
- How Hailie Jade’s Fiancé Evan Asked Eminem for His Blessing to Get Engaged
Recommendation
-
Vikings' Camryn Bynum celebrates game-winning interception with Raygun dance
-
John Goodman tells us the dark secret behind all his lovable characters
-
Iran announces first arrests over mysterious poisonings of hundreds of schoolgirls
-
20 sharks found dead after killer whales' surgical feeding frenzy
-
Traveling to Las Vegas? Here Are the Best Black Friday Hotel Deals
-
Dwyane Wade's Daughter Zaya Granted Legal Name and Gender Change
-
Transcript: Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Face the Nation, March 5, 2023
-
The new Spider-Man film shows that representation is a winning strategy