News item | 22-12-2023 | 2:20 PM
The Netherlands is making 18 F-16 fighter aircraft available to Ukraine. Minister Ollongren of Defense reported this to the House of Representatives today. This decision allows personnel and budget to be allocated to prepare the devices for delivery.
A permit is required for the export of military goods to prevent undesirable end use. This also applies to these F-16s. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs therefore tests the devices against the European Union’s criteria for the export of weapons. On this basis, the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation decides whether an export license will be granted.
In addition to this permit, there are a number of criteria that must be met before the devices can actually be delivered. This concerns, for example, trained Ukrainian personnel and suitable infrastructure in Ukraine.
The decision was made on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.