The Netherlands gives up F-16 fighters. Some of the machines will go to Ukraine, and some to a training center in Romania. “We are celebrating the end of an era,” wrote Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans on the X platform.
After 45 years, the Dutch Air Force is saying goodbye to F-16 fighter aircraft, which will be replaced by the newer F-35. After “retirement”, 24 F-16s will go to… Ukrainewhere they will be used in the war against Russiaand 18 will go to the training center in Romania.
“Today we celebrate the end of an era. Our F-16s perform their last flight over the Netherlands, after years of loyal service and impressive missions around the world,” wrote Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans on the X platform.
Although the Dutch Air Force no longer needs old fighters, – as RTV Drenthe wrote – they showed on Friday how much they are worth, because several of them made a farewell flight over Netherlands in stormy conditions.
The planes, which entered service in 1979, are now outdated, making them more expensive to maintain.
The Netherlands used F-16s in Afghanistan and Iraq
Former F-16 pilot Frans Osinga told NOS that the F-16 is a “unique and extremely agile aircraft.” He previously flew the F-5 fighter, but in his opinion, comparing it to the F-16 is like comparing “Fiat 500 to Ferrari”.
– F-16s were used in peacekeeping operations to protect soldiers UNbut also protected our troops in peacekeeping missions in… Afghanistan and took action against (terrorist organization) Islamic State over Iraq – he said.
Developed in the 1970s, the American F-16 single-engine jet can also be used as a bomber. Its modular design allows for upgrades and modernization, but cannot accommodate some features, including stealth technologies, that are available on the F-35.
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