Ukraine urgently needs additional military power. The Netherlands together with the United Kingdom, Norway and Sweden a new delivery of US weapons, equipment and ammunition. The support is being provided as part of the so-called “Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List” (PURL). The Netherlands is also providing F-16 simulators.
The announcement was made by Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans on the sidelines of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) meeting in Brussels. In this format, defense ministers from more than 50 countries coordinate their military support for Ukraine (-> Latest news from the war in Ukraine).
The total package is worth 500 million US dollars (around 460 million euros). The Dutch share amounts to around 90 million euros. The funds come from a previously committed support framework of 750 million euros.
Brekelmans explained: “Despite all diplomatic efforts, we see on a daily basis that Russian terrorist attacks continue. At temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees, Russian drones and missiles are deliberately fired at energy infrastructure. This is simply criminal. It is therefore of the utmost importance that we continue to provide Ukraine with massive support – especially with air defense assets. Together with the United Kingdom, Norway and Sweden, we are once again making an important contribution to this. It is crucial that other European countries also make their contribution.”
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Urgently needed material
The PURL packages include urgently needed and readily available equipment to rapidly strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities. The Netherlands is supplying material from US stocks, including Patriot anti-aircraft missiles, artillery ammunition, F-16 ammunition and spare parts.
F-16 simulators for pilot training
Brekelmans also announced the delivery of F-16 simulators. Former Dutch F-16s are already in service with the Ukrainian air force and are helping to defend against Russian attacks. The simulators play a central role in the training of pilots.
For reasons of operational safety, no further details on the scope and schedule of delivery will be published.
Here for more news about the Ukrainian armed forces.
