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TZUTC: 0200                  
It is likely that the Netherlands will supply F-16s to Ukraine, Defense
Minister Kajsa Ollongren hinted on Friday after the Council of Ministers. The
Netherlands has already promised to train Ukrainian pilots in the aircraft
"and then you assume that Ukraine will also fly with the F-16 at some point.
That still requires a separate decision". Press agency Bloomberg also reports
on the basis of anonymous sources that the Netherlands will probably supply
the airplanes.
 
The Netherlands is now making the switch to the F-35, also known as the Joint
Strike Fighter. According to Ollongren, F-16s will therefore be available "at
a moment". She does emphasize, however, that a decision still have to be taken
by the countries that are working together. The Netherlands is working closely
with Denmark, Belgium and the United Kingdom in this area. Norway, Poland and
Portugal have now also joined the alliance.
 
Pilots are first trained in Denmark and then possibly at other locations. It
is also not known how long the training lasts. "We will have to find out a bit
together. Ukraine will undoubtedly be able to send experienced pilots, but we
have to see what they can do."

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