Netherlands Delivers F-16s
Allies pour over a billion dollars into Ukraine’s drone program.
The Netherlands has delivered its first batch of F-16s to Ukraine, as confirmed by Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans during his recent visit. While he did not specify the number of aircraft delivered, he noted that an additional 24 jets will arrive in the coming months.
However, Ukraine faces a challenge due to a shortage of trained pilots for the F-16s it is set to receive. As a result, Ukraine may be forced to limit operations and extend delivery timelines. This issue stems from delays in U.S. support last year, and although the Biden administration has since shifted its stance in the final months of Biden’s presidency, significant gaps, such as the need for comprehensive pilot training, remain unaddressed.
In a statement released on September 26th, President Biden announced that he has directed the Department of Defense to expand training for Ukrainian F-16 pilots, with plans to train an additional 18 pilots next year. This would bring the total to 30 pilots over two years — 12 trained in the past 12 months, and 18 in the next.
Analysts have repeatedly pointed out that Ukraine needs more than 150 fighter jets to effectively counter Russia’s air force, which operates around 300 jets on any given day. While Russia’s ground combat power is being weakened by a lack of heavy weapons and dwindling artillery stockpiles, their air force remains their primary advantage, effectively acting as aerial artillery by indiscriminately dropping glide bombs on Ukrainian positions.
President Biden says he wants to win the war, and I believe he does. However, he lacks a team capable of delivering what he seeks. Whoever advised him to train only 30 pilots over two years, while suggesting that victory is achievable by slowing Ukraine’s combat power to a point where it can’t effectively challenge Russia’s air superiority, should not only be fired but sent at least a few thousand miles away from Washington, D.C.
Make him the U.S. Ambassador for the North Pole.
That said, F-16s are gradually making their way into Ukraine. Last year, Ukraine had none — not a single aircraft. They received a small batch two months ago, another batch recently, and more will continue to trickle in.
France’s effort to train 26 Ukrainian pilots is progressing smoothly. It began in June, and the first phase, using Alphajets, was completed on September 20, 2024. Although France lacks the extensive training capacity of the U.S. — reportedly certifying only 30 pilots annually — they have likely either utilized their full capacity or expanded it to support Ukraine.
Ukraine’s air force will steadily improve, but it will take time.
In addition to sending the first batch of F-16s, the Netherlands also announced €400 million in aid to help Ukraine develop advanced drones. Half of these drones will be produced in the Netherlands, and the other half in Ukraine. This partnership is strategic, as maintaining production capacity away from Putin’s missile strikes is a necessity, not an option.
With the Netherlands’ contribution, the drone coalition led by the UK and Latvia has now committed more than €1 billion to boost Ukraine’s drone production. Ukraine currently has the capacity to produce 4 million drones per year, and every dollar from the coalition will help keep that production line operational.
Thanks for reading. The war is getting closer to the end. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to make critical information about Ukraine accessible. That’s why I’ve made 300 stories available to the public in 2024, inlcuding this one.
