“Ruben Breccelmans also commented on Ukraine’s capabilities to obtain F-35 aircraft.”, – WRITE: www.unian.ua
Ruben Breccelmans also commented on Ukraine’s capabilities to obtain F-35 aircraft.
According to the minister, he had mixed feelings when the Netherlands said goodbye to F-16 / UNIAN collage, Wikipedia photo, UNIANThe F-16 fighter on the one hand is very fast, and on the other, it can feel “a bird in the sky”. The Minister of Defense of the Netherlands Ruben Breccelmans told this in an interview with Ukrinform, answering questions about his impressions of flight on a modern aircraft.
According to him, during the flight to the F-16 he sat in the cabin behind. Breccelmans stressed that it was a wonderful experience, because the plane is very shunting.
“We also made a” loop “and performed various maneuvers. I flew together with one of our most experienced pilots of the F -16. By the way, he will work hard with the” Air Force Coalition “and very active in our operational group on Ukraine. So it was great to fly with it.” To be inside the F-16.
He also noted that he had mixed feelings when the country said goodbye to the F-16 and instead received the F-35.
“I think that for many people here, in the Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands, of course, the F-16 is something important, because it is the most famous fighter. Some of our pilots have been flying on the F-16 for over 40 years, so it is of particular importance. But on the other hand, all were very pleased that we were able to convey the F-16 Ukraine. They also know, of course, that we have to switch to the F -35, to this a new generation of fighters, “the politician explained.
In addition, Breccelmans noted the rapid training of Ukrainian pilots on the F-16, and thanked the Ukrainians for how they do it carefully.
“Also, many of our pilots know how much time it takes to study and master the F -16. And now Ukrainians are doing in a year that our pilots usually take place in a few years. And it is really striking how quickly Ukrainian pilots and techniques are able to do it. So, on our part, there is also a great gratitude and respect for Ukraine.”
At the same time, the minister expressed his hope that one day and F-35 will protect the Ukrainian sky, but it takes time, because they are a new generation of fighters.
“You need to make sure that your pilots are fully trained, that you understand all the procedures and everything that is connected with it. You also need to change your infrastructure, because it is not the same for F-35 as for F-16. So it’s not so easy. But you know, we have been able to do so. An important step.
F -16 fighters from the Netherlands – what is knownAt the end of May 2025, Ruben Breccelmans stated that the Netherlands was sent to Ukraine the last of the promised F-16. According to him, this means that all 24 promised fighters will be present in Ukraine.
“We also teach pilots and technicians and share our military doctrines so that Ukraine can build modern armed forces that correspond to NATO member countries,” the minister assured.
He later reported that the last F-16 for Ukraine departed from the Volkel Air Base to Belgium. There they were prepared for the transfer to the Ukrainian air forces.
“This is a nostalgic moment, because over decades, the F-16 ranked central to our Air Force. But now, when we say goodbye to them after moving to the F-35, I could not come up with a better destination than Ukraine. Due to the daily Russian air strikes F-16 are vital for Ukraine.
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