Final Dutch F-16 Fighters Bound for Ukraine Leave the Netherlands

The last Dutch F-16 fighter jets designated for Ukraine have departed the Netherlands. On May 26, 2025, the aircraft left Volkel Air Base for Belgium, where they will be prepared for transfer.

The Dutch Ministry of Defense confirmed the move in a statement.

“This is a nostalgic moment, because the F-16s have played an important role in our air force for decades. But now, as we say goodbye to them in the transition to the F-35, I can’t think of a better destination than Ukraine. Faced with daily Russian airstrikes, these jets are of vital importance to Ukraine — and to us,” said Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans.

The minister also emphasized the unprecedented speed of the transfer.

“In peacetime, this would take years. Now, it has been completed in record time. That is a remarkable achievement by Ukrainian pilots and technicians. But on our side too, our personnel have made extraordinary efforts to make this happen. I’m deeply grateful for that,” Brekelmans added.

According to the ministry, while the transfer of aircraft is complete, the Netherlands’ involvement in the F-16 program for Ukraine remains ongoing. The country will continue to provide comprehensive support to keep the jets operational, including training, spare parts, ammunition and fuel.

Ukrainian pilots are currently being trained at the European F-16 Training Center in Romania, which operates 18 Dutch F-16s. The Netherlands also plans to establish a training facility for ground personnel at the same location.

Dutch F-16s for Ukraine

The Netherlands formally agreed to transfer 24 F-16 fighters and seven spare jet engines to Ukraine in July 2024.

The F-16 was officially retired from Dutch service in late September 2024, following a farewell flight over several Dutch cities.

The first batch of F-16s was delivered to Ukraine in early October 2024. Spare parts and maintenance equipment worth €80 million were included in the package.

The second batch was delivered in February 2025, alongside France’s initial transfer of Mirage 2000-5F multirole fighters.

The third delivery followed in April 2025, announced together with Dutch funding for HAWK air defense systems and the transfer of a Patriot air defense command post.

The fourth and final batch was announced by Defense Minister Brekelmans on Sunday, May 25, during an appearance on the TV program WNL op Zondag. He stated that the last Dutch F-16s would be delivered to Ukraine on Monday.