Ten Ukrainian servicemen complete F-16 maintenance training in Netherlands

Ten Ukrainian servicemen have completed F-16 fighter jet maintenance training in the Netherlands.

According to the Dutch Ministry of Defence, the Netherlands has agreed to provide Ukraine with at least 24 F-16 fighter jets, which also need maintenance.

Ukrainian servicemen practised maintaining all the fighter jet's critical parts that are essential for the pilot, including helmets, oxygen systems and onboard parachutes.

The training also involved assembling and checking the rescue emergency kit. This kit, which includes items such as food and medical supplies, enables a pilot to survive for several days after an emergency landing.

The training prepares soldiers for all possible risks during F-16 flights, ultimately providing better protection for Ukrainian pilots.

The course was developed by the Flight Safety Equipment (VVU) cluster. "F-16 pilots essentially put their lives in the hands of the soldiers maintaining the aircraft. Once they take off, they know they can rely on these people's knowledge and skills and that the aircraft will be in good condition," the Dutch Ministry of Defence noted.

The Netherlands is also one of the initiators of the European F-16 Training Centre (EFTC) in Romania. The EFTC has been provided with 11 F-16 aircraft.

Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren announced the transfer of a batch of YPR-765 infantry fighting vehicles to Kyiv at the 22nd meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, also known as the Ramstein-format meeting.

Margarita Robles, Minister of Defence of Spain, announced the delivery of the second batch of Leopard tanks and other military aid to Ukraine at the 22nd Ramstein-format meeting.