Netherlands Announces No Restrictions on Use of F-16s Transferred to Ukraine

Ukraine can use the F-16 fighter jets transferred by the Netherlands as it sees fit, including against Russian territory, according to General Onno Eichelsheim, commander of the Dutch armed forces.

"We have imposed no restrictions on the use or range of the F-16s," he said. He added that Ukraine can use all the Dutch-supplied weaponry without restrictions, provided it adheres to the provisions of humanitarian law and the rules of conducting military operations.

Eichelsheim did not specify how many fighter jets Amsterdam has already transferred to Kyiv. In total, the Netherlands has promised to supply 24 aircraft.

In June, Kaisa Ollongren, who was then in charge of the Dutch Ministry of Defense, stated that Ukraine will decide how to use the weapons that Amsterdam provides. She expressed hope that the next Dutch government would continue to support NATO and Ukraine.

The Netherlands and Denmark lead the coalition for F-16s, under which training for Ukrainian pilots is conducted. Both countries have also announced their intention to supply Ukraine with F-16 aircraft.

The F-16 is an American fourth-generation multi-role light fighter that has been in operation since 1978. It has been actively used in NATO operations against Yugoslavia and in Middle Eastern conflicts.