On December 22, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced that the Netherlands was ready to deliver the first batch of 18 aircraft to Ukrainef-16Fightersdecision. This means that the Netherlands will provide Ukraine with important onesMilitaryAid. However, the exact delivery time is subject to permission from the Netherlands*** and to ensure that the personnel and infrastructure of the Ukrainian side meet the requirements. The Netherlands** has begun to set aside funds and staff to complete the delivery.
It is worth mentioning that the NetherlandsAir ForceIt currently has 42 aircraftf-16Fighters, 24 of which are still in service. Althoughf-16Gradually by the new generationf-35Fightersreplaced, but still played a role in the Dutch army. Previously, the Netherlands has already put a batchf-16FightersSent to Romania, and for UkrainePilotsand ground crews have provided new training facilities. In addition, Denmark, Norway and Belgium have pledged to provide Ukraine with themf-16Fighters
Ukrainians: Yesf-16Fighters's entry into the war is full of anticipation, and Russia has shown strong disdain for it. According to the Eurasian Times, Russia has already issued a warning that if UkraineAir Forceoff-16Fightersis from NATOAir ForceBase take-off operations,Russian armyAttacks will be launched on these NATO bases, and it is said that the use of NATO aircraft from Europe against Russia will make the country to which the aircraft belongs a legitimate target.
However, this threat from Russia ** seems somewhat untenable. Because it's quite possible oncef-16Fightersdelivered, they will be deployed to UkraineAir Forcebases, and not from NATO bases in neighboring countries of Ukraine take off for operations. Previously, the West has already provided Ukraine with a number of modelsLong-range missiles, including "Storm Shadow", "Scarp-eg" and ATACMS, these missiles are all in UkraineAir ForceMounted on the base onto Su-24 front-line bombers or launched from the territory of Ukraine. Russia has also been concerned about the possible deployment of a "storm shadow" to UkraineAir ForceThere have been missile strikes on the base. Therefore, the threat of Russia ** appears untenable in practical operation.
At the moment, some say that there are already 12 of themf-16FightersDeployed to Ukraine, along with 3 more for training. Although this information has not been officially confirmed, we cannot completely rule out the possibility given the previous reliability of this source. However, at the moment the West has not disclosed about Ukraine for some timePilotsof the pace of training, so we are also not sure about UkrainePilotsWhether they have mastered it or notf-16Fightersoperational skills.
Some analysts believe that even iff-16Fightershas already been deployed to Ukraine, and the initial stage of participation in the war is likely to be dominated by air defense. UkrainePilotsIt will be tasked with intercepting subsonic cruise missiles and suicide drones launched by Russian forces, which are relatively less risky and helpfulPilotsExercise your combat skills. Subsequently, UkrainePilotsMay drivef-16FightersParticipation in ground attacks, attacks on the front line with JDAM bombs and "Hamm" anti-radiation missilesRussian armyTarget. As for with RussiaFightersAs well as direct confrontation with ground-based air defense systems, which requires a higher levelPilotsskills, which may take longer to train. Also, UkraineAir ForceThe existing types of supporting ammunition are limited, with only two air-to-air missiles and two types of ground-attack ammunition, which cannot be fully utilizedf-16Fighterspotential. However, considering the $60 billion budget bill for Ukraine that the United States is expected to pass in January, Ukraine is expected to receive more support for supporting ammunition. However, the United States and othersNATO membershipFears that this could anger Russia and lead to an escalation of the situation.
In general, although the Netherlands announced its readiness for deliveriesf-16Fightersto Ukraine, but the exact timing of delivery and deployment remains unclear. UkrainePilotsThe progress of training and the availability of more matching ammo are also key factors. This series of measures could increase tensions between Ukraine and Russia.