Netherlands to Deliver Final Batch of F-16s to Ukraine on May 26

The Netherlands will deliver the final batch of 24 F-16 multirole fighter jets promised to Ukraine on Monday, May 26.

The NL Times reported on this, citing the WNL op Zondag television program.

On Sunday, May 25, Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced during an appearance on WNL op Zondag that the last of the pledged F-16s would be transferred to Ukraine the following day.

Dutch F-16s for Ukraine

The Netherlands pledged 24 F-16s and seven jet engines to Ukraine in July 2024.

The Dutch Air Force officially retired its F-16 fleet in late September 2024. Prior to the retirement, the final aircraft conducted a ceremonial flyover of several Dutch cities.

The first batch of aircraft was delivered to Ukraine in early October 2024, along with spare parts and maintenance equipment worth €80 million.

The second delivery was announced in February 2025, coinciding with the first transfer of French Mirage 2000-5F multirole fighter jets to Ukraine.

A third batch was confirmed in April 2025, alongside Dutch funding for the acquisition of the HAWK air defense system and the transfer of a Patriot air defense command post.

In addition to aircraft transfers, the Netherlands has funded weapons purchases for Ukraine’s F-16s. On March 21, 2024, it allocated €150 million for this purpose, followed by another €300 million on July 30, 2024.

The Netherlands also co-founded the European F-16 Pilot Training Center with Romania, based at Fetești Air Base. Eighteen Dutch F-16s were transferred there to support pilot training, including for Ukrainian personnel.

In early May, plans were announced to expand the center’s scope to include technical training for Ukrainian ground crews.

“Ukrainians will use F-16s for air defense. Every day, we see how important this is. We need not only pilots, but also well-trained technical staff. Together with Romania, we are taking the next important step in this direction,” the Dutch Ministry of Defense noted at the time.