Speaking at the NATO summit in Washington, the minister clarified this funding adds to the $162 million previously reserved for this purpose. The munitions will be purchased directly from manufacturers.
“Armaments are crucial; with the munitions we are procuring, the F-16s can help repel Russian attacks,” the Dutch Defense Ministry’s press service quoted Brekelmans.
“Putin's aggression knows no bounds, so our support must continue at full speed. By purchasing these additional munitions for the F-16s, we want to send a message to Moscow that NATO allies continue to support Ukraine. Russia must not win this war; this is also in our security interest.”
U.S. President Joe Biden, Dutch PM Dick Schoof, and Danish PM Mette Frederiksen previously announced that the F-16 delivery is finally underway, and Ukraine will begin using them this summer.
“I am pleased to announce that the transfer of F-16s from Denmark and the Netherlands is currently underway,” said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
“They will be in the skies over Ukraine this summer and will help Ukraine defend effectively against Russian aggression.”