The Netherlands will not sell F-16 to a private company

The Netherlands has cancelled an agreement to sell its F-16 to private company Draken International.

This was reported by the Dutch resource of defense analytics Oryxspioenkop.

Draken International, which trains pilots, expected to receive 40 Dutch F-16 fighters.

The company has a contract with the US government to perform the role of a conditional enemy in Air Force and Navy exercises.

It is worth noting that in 2021, the Norwegian government announced that Draken International would also sell its F-16 fighters to this company.

The Netherlands’ first 12 fighter jets have already been sold in 2022. Nevertheless, the option for another 28 fighters was not implemented.

In 2021, the Dutch Ministry of Defense reported that these 28 fighters had to be decommissioned by May 2024.

Presumably, these F-16 fighters will be transferred to the needs of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Also on May 19, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte noted that the conditions for training Ukrainian pilots would be worked out over the coming weeks.

“Together with my British, Danish and Belgian colleagues we welcome the news that the United States stands ready to approve the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets. The modalities will be worked out in the coming weeks. Ukraine can count on the unwavering support of the Netherlands and its international partners,” Rutte tweeted.

American President Joe Biden told the leaders of the Group of Seven that the United States would support joint efforts to train Ukrainian pilots for the F-16. Biden’s announcement has already been welcomed by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Earlier this week, the UK announced the start of the international coalition of countries aimed at purchasing F-16 for Ukraine.