Netherlands pushing €400 mil. into drones for Ukraine; First Dutch F-16s deployed in war
The Netherlands is investing 400 million euros to develop drones in partnership with Ukraine, Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced. He also confirmed that the first Dutch F-16s had arrived in Ukraine and had been deployed in the war.
Brekelmans announced the drone development plan during a visit to the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv and confirmed it in a letter to parliament. Half of the drones will be developed in the Netherlands, and the other half in Ukraine and other countries.
Brekelmans said that the Netherlands played a “pioneering role” in providing F-16 fighter jets and Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. “Now, we are continuing this with advanced drones.”
“This involves all kinds of advanced drones that can be used for reconnaissance, defense, and attack,” Brekelmans said. “Particularly in the air, but also on land and at sea.”
He told ANP that these are the “most advanced drones” and they will play an essential part in Ukraine’s air defense and offensive abilities. Other countries are also working on these types of drones, he said.
If the plan proves successful, the Netherlands will make more money available to scale up drone production.
Brekelmans also confirmed that the first of the 24 Dutch F-16s promised to Ukraine have been delivered and deployed. He did not provide further details, only saying that more fighter jets will go to Ukraine this year.
