Amsterdam, 22 December 2023 (dpa/MIA) - The Netherlands is set to deliver 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren said on Friday.

The Netherlands had previously agreed to provide the aircraft for the training of Ukrainian pilots in Romania.

It has now been officially decided to deliver the F-16s to Ukraine as well.

"With this decision, the Netherlands confirms that it remains committed to providing Ukraine with the support it needs against continued Russian aggression," Prime Minister Mark Rutte wrote Friday on X.

Ukrainian pilots are currently being trained in Romania to operate the fighter jets. Upon completion of the training, the aircraft are to be delivered.

It is unclear when Ukraine will be able to use the fighter planes in the war zone.

The training is expected to take several months. The Netherlands, Denmark and Norway had promised Ukraine F-16 aircraft.

The modern fighter jets are meant to help the Ukrainian armed forces regain sovereignty over Ukraine's airspace. Russia has warned that the jets will lead the conflict to escalate further.

Ukraine has been fending off a full-scale Russian invasion since February 24, 2022. The country has called on Western supporters to supply more air defence systems to better protect its cities and regions.

Photo: MIA Archive