Umerov announced that a new batch of F-16s is expected to arrive in 2025.

Umerov stated this on his Facebook page.

Umerov reported that Ukraine anticipates receiving another batch of Western aircraft in 2025. Additionally, training for Ukrainian pilots, engineers, and technical staff will continue.

The defense ministers also discussed the development of drones.

“We coordinated the distribution of the previously announced 400 million euros, as well as the preparation of large-scale joint projects focusing on long-range capabilities. The agenda also includes artillery ammunition, air defense, and interceptor missiles. The Netherlands clearly understands our needs and is ready to assist,” Umerov stated.

The Path of F-16 to Ukraine

Back in May 2023, U.S. President Joe Biden approved plans to train Ukrainian pilots on American F-16 fighter jets. Subsequently, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Belgium announced that they would transfer aircraft to Ukraine, particularly for exercises taking place in Denmark and Romania.

The first group of Ukrainian pilots completed their training in the U.S. in May of this year, and Denmark trained 50 Ukrainian specialists in F-16 maintenance.

In July, former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba mentioned that the promise of F-16s appearing in Ukrainian skies by summer 2024 was “already fulfilled”, although no official confirmation of their arrival had been made at that time.

Later, Bloomberg reported on the arrival of the first fighters, and a few days later, this was confirmed by President Volodymyr Zelensky. In August, it was officially announced that F-16s had already been engaged in repelling aerial attacks.