Netherlands to Purchase Aviation Armament for Ukrainian F-16s

The Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands will purchase armament for F-16A Block 20 MLU fighter jets for Ukraine.

The Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands reported on this.

These €300 million will be in addition to the previously announced €150 million, which is also intended for the purchase of aviation armament for the F-16A Block 20 MLU.

“Ukrainians should not only be able to fly the F-16s. They must also be able to use the capabilities of the aircraft,” said Ruben Brekelmans, Minister of Defense of the Netherlands.

According to him, armament is one of the most important factors in the transfer of this type of aircraft. It will significantly expand the capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force.

“That’s why armament is crucial. With the munitions we are buying, the F-16s can help repel Russian attacks. Putin’s aggression knows no bounds, so our support should continue in full swing,” Brekelmans added.

Read more about the armament of F-16 fighter jets in the article on Militarnyi.

It should be noted that it is not yet known what kind of armament will be purchased for the fighter jets to be transferred to Ukraine, but it is highly likely that it will be a standard set of precision missiles and bombs made in the United States.

The transfer of more serious types of weapons, such as the AGM-158 JASSM air-launched cruise missiles, which can be considered an analog of the well-known Storm Shadow, is unlikely due to political difficulties and the need for U.S. authorization.

Among other air-to-air armament, Ukrainian F-16A Block 20 MLUs will receive American AIM-9 and AIM-120 missiles of various modifications.

“By purchasing this additional ammunition for the F-16s, we want to send a message to Moscow that NATO allies continue to support Ukraine. Russia should not win this war, it is also in our security interests,” added the Dutch Defense Minister.

Read more about the armament of F-16 fighter jets in the article on Militarnyi.

Militarnyi previously reported that the Dutch government will purchase €150 million worth of aviation armament for F-16 fighter jets, which will soon be transferred to Ukraine.

The contract for their purchase will be concluded directly with the manufacturer.