Ukraine allowed to use Dutch F-16s inside Russia, military chief confirms

Dutch Armed Forces Commander Onno Eichelsheim approves Ukraine's use of Dutch F-16s in Russia, praising the Kursk offensive as "brilliant".

Aug 29, 2024 - 18:00
Ukraine allowed to use Dutch F-16s inside Russia, military chief confirms

isw ukraine need continue targeting russian air defense assets enable f-16 use ukrainian force's f-16s filmed background zelenskyy awarding pilots 4 august 2024 reportedly screenshot from zelenskyy's video а-162024-08-04 15-05-41

Dutch Armed Forces Commander Onno Eichelsheim has stated that Ukraine is permitted to use Dutch-donated F-16 fighter jets within Russian territory, provided they adhere to the laws of war, NL Times reported.

Despite Ukraine’s appeals, Western countries, including the US and the UK, have restricted Ukraine’s use of their long-range weapons like ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles to prevent deep strikes inside Russia, allegedly aiming to avoid escalation.

Ukraine received its first F-16s in early August, with up to ten aircraft delivered and more expected later.

In an interview with NOS published on 29 August, Eichelsheim said,

“We have not imposed any restrictions on the use and range of the F-16, provided that the law of war is observed.”

The highest-ranking military officer in the Netherlands praised Ukraine’s recent surprise incursion Russia’s Kursk Oblast as “brilliant in practical terms.” Ukrainian forces entered the region on 6 August and have since taken control of more than 100 locations along the border after targeting military infrastructure and airports in the area.

“They have taken over a large area in a good way, with new techniques, quite quickly. In doing so, they have created a dilemma for Putin,” Eichelsheim told NOS.

The Commander of the Armed Forces would have no problems if such offensive actions include the use of Dutch weapons:

 “The resources we supply can be used by Ukraine as it wishes, provided humanitarian law of war is adhered to.”

The Americans partly agree, says Eichelsheim, who is visiting his counterparts in the US. Previously, the US allowed Ukraine to use GMLRS rockets in the Russian territory near the border, but not the longer-range ATACMS missiles, capable of reaching high-value targets such as air bases.

“They have other restrictions, but they have also supplied other weapons systems. At least we have the same line to make sure Ukraine wins the war. I think we are putting all our efforts into making that happen,” Eichelsheim said.

Ukraine has been using Westerns-supplied guided bombs in Kursk Oblast to destroy reinforced targets such as bridges. However, Ukraine is likely using its Soviet-era fighters for these attacks rather than the newly acquired F-16s.

The Netherlands has made 24 F-16 fighters available to Ukraine, though Eichelsheim declined to specify how many have been transferred so far.

Related:

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this. 

We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society.

A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support.

Become a Patron!