The Netherlands is preparing the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine

The Netherlands has announced that it is preparing the delivery of 18 of the US F-16 fighter jets promised to Ukraine, AFP reported.
With U.S. approval, Denmark and the Netherlands announced in August that they would provide up to 61 aircraft once Ukrainian pilots are trained.
Re-exports of military equipment require approval, and the government has said the planes will need further testing before being delivered.
"Today I informed President Volodymyr Zelenskiy about our government's decision to initially prepare 18 F-16 fighter jets for delivery to Ukraine," the Dutch defense minister said, without giving a delivery date.
In addition to the export permit, a number of other criteria must still be met before delivery can take place, including staffing and infrastructure requirements, he added.
Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said "this decision confirms the Netherlands' unwavering commitment to providing Ukraine with the support it needs to respond to ongoing Russian aggression."
Zelensky said he spoke with Rutte and thanked him for his support.
"We discussed the development of the front line, the situation in the Black Sea and the current military needs of Ukraine," he added.
Last month, the Netherlands sent five F-16s to Romania, where they are being used to train Ukrainian pilots. /BGNES