F-16 spare parts, air/missile defense, and support for the Ukrainian defense industry: The Ministry of Defence discussed next year's assistance priorities with the Dutch delegation

During a meeting with the Netherlands Ministry of Defence delegation, representatives from the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the Armed Forces of Ukraine presented the priority needs of Ukraine's Armed Forces and defense sector.

The Ukrainian delegation included Deputy Ministers of Defence Brigadier General Oleksandr Klochko and Sergiy Boyev, Commander of the Air Command of the Air Force of Ukraine Brigadier General Oleh Zakharchuk, and Acting Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces Colonel Semen Kolesnyk. The Dutch delegation was led by Major General Arnoud Stallmann, Director of the Project Department for Support to Ukraine at the Ministry of Defence of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and included Colonel Hendrik Kaiser, Chairman of the Air Force Capability Coalition.

“We consistently express our gratitude to the Netherlands for supplying F-16 aircraft, as they actively engage in combat operations and effectively intercept enemy missiles. During one of the latest large-scale enemy attacks, our pilots shot down 12 cruise missiles. Your aircraft are saving the Ukrainian people, their homes, and the country's infrastructure,” thanked Brigadier General Oleksandr Klochko.

The Ukrainian delegation highlighted the need for additional spare parts for F-16 jets to enhance the aircraft's resilience in combat. The discussion also addressed the details of combat missions carried out by Ukrainian pilots.

The Netherlands has outlined its military aid plans for 2025, which include air and missile defense, tanks, artillery, and demining equipment. Arnoud Stallmann also emphasized that collaboration within the Drone Coalition is a priority for the Netherlands and referenced the previously announced €400 million investment in UAV production.

“Ukraine continues to enhance the capabilities of its defense industry and expresses gratitude to the Netherlands for their ongoing support in this regard. We have outlined production priorities for 2025, and the realization of these goals depends on the investment of our partners,” said Sergiy Boyev.

Major General Arnoud Stallmann expressed thanks to Ukraine for sharing its experience with battlefield technologies and highlighted that this enables the Netherlands to improve its products to better suit the needs of the frontline. This enhances efficiency in providing further aid.

“The Netherlands ranks among the top 5 countries delivering aid to Ukraine. We are committed to sustaining this leadership in the coming year – we will provide as much assistance as required. We are always available for consultations to optimize the deployment of F-16 aircraft and are continuing the training of Ukrainian pilots,” emphasized the Director of the Department for Support to Ukraine at the Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands.