According to the Dutch Prime Minister, Ukraine would get F-16 fighter planes

In a long-awaited announcement that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy termed a vital source of inspiration for his nation’s military who are engaged in a challenging counteroffensive against Russia, Denmark and the Netherlands said Sunday that they would provide F-16 airplanes to Ukraine.

While the two were touring a Dutch air base, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte informed Zelenskyy that the timing would rely on how quickly Ukrainian personnel and facilities would be prepared for the powerful US-made planes.

Ukraine has long argued that it needs the advanced fighter to give it a competitive advantage. Without air support, it just started a long-awaited counteroffensive against the Kremlin’s forces, leaving its soldiers vulnerable to Russian aircraft and artillery.

Zelenskyy applauded Rutte for making the Netherlands the first nation to offer the aircraft and hailed the “historic” news.

Following a brief inspection of two gray F-16 aircraft parked in a hangar at the Dutch facility in the southern city of Eindhoven by the two presidents, the announcement was made.

The donation of F-16 fighter planes by Denmark and the Netherlands to Ukraine’s struggle for independence against Russia and its mindless aggression fills me with pride.

In a statement, Danish Defense Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen stated, “Denmark’s support for Ukraine is steadfast, and with the contribution of F-16 aircraft, Denmark is now leading the way.

Zelenskyy claimed that Ukraine will get 42 planes on his Telegram channel, although the Netherlands and Denmark did not provide specific numbers in a joint statement announcing the supplies.

The Netherlands possesses 42 of the aircraft, but some will be required for training, according to Rutte.

It was also uncertain when they will fly over Zelenskyy’s country, but Rutte expressed the hope that it would be soon.

“The F-16s won’t contribute to the combat effort right now. In any case, the Netherlands is making a long-term commitment, the Dutch leader said.

“We want them to be operational and engaged as soon as we can. It’s not going to happen within the next month, but hopefully shortly after.

The statement, according to Zelenskyy, sent a strong message to his troops.

F16 will undoubtedly infuse warriors and civilians with fresh vitality, confidence, and purpose. I’m certain it will provide novel outcomes for both Ukraine and all of Europe,” he remarked.

The governments of the Netherlands and Denmark are also a part of a coalition that strives to educate Ukrainian pilots to operate the cutting-edge fighter planes.

Zelenskyy cited security concerns in declining to reveal how many Ukrainian pilots will train in Denmark and subsequently in Romania. Denmark, however, said on Friday that the training will begin this month.

Ukrainian pilots will need six to eight months of training, according to officials.

The US has given the Netherlands and Denmark permission to send F-16s built in the US to Ukraine, they said on Friday. Even while the fighter planes won’t have an immediate effect on the almost 18-month conflict, Washington’s acceptance was considered as a significant boost for Kyiv.

According to Washington, the F-16s will be essential in the long run as Kyiv contends with Russia, much like the cutting-edge US Abrams tanks.

Ukraine has been using outdated aircraft, such MiG29 and Sukhoi fighters built in Russia. The technology and targeting capability of the F-16 are more modern. Experts also claim that they are more adaptable.

Zelenskyy promised a severe response in a video message earlier on Sunday in response to a Russian missile attack that occurred the day before in Chernihiv, a city in northern Ukraine, leaving seven people dead and over 100 others injured.