The Netherlands sent between 12 and 18 F-16 fighters to Romania to train Ukrainian pilots. This was conveyed by General Onno Eichelsheim, TNI Commander in the Big Five BNR. According to Eichelsheim, the amount depends on how much Ukraine thinks it needs.
Commanders estimate the first aircraft will be delivered to Ukraine in the spring of 2024, but it is difficult to say when Ukraine will actually start using F-16s. It depends on various factors. “I don’t want to commit to a time when Ukraine will be able to fully operate the device. Because it depends on many factors.’
Also read | Ollongren: F-16 pilot training will be ready in spring 2024
However, he stressed that Ukraine has proven that it can quickly absorb all the military resources it receives and can use them ‘operationally’. ‘Of course such fighters are more complex, but on the other hand you should not underestimate how good they are at what they do now.’
‘We are making full progress’
Listen to the entire conversation with Onno Eichelsheim here
For now, everything was simple, Eichelsheim thought: set up and start a training center in Romania as quickly as possible. ‘Together with America and our private partner Lockheed Martin. The sooner the better, I won’t wait anywhere, we will go full speed ahead.’
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