Ukraine War BREAKING NEWS: Ukraine Receives More F-16s from The Netherlands
Title:Ukraine War BREAKING NEWS: Ukraine Receives More F-16s from The Netherlands Topics:Hello Team, France delivers Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine, Netherlands sends second batch of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, Details of F-16 deliveries and capabilities, Current operational jet numbers and f
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"I'd much rather see 10 planes shot down and using them riskily than, you know, 10 soldiers on the front line, or 1,000. Do you know what I mean? These are single human beings, and the F-16 is just a hunk of metal. It's an expensive hunk of metal, but it's a hunk of metal."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:21⏩
- Jonathan welcomes viewers to another Ukraine War Breaking News update.
- This update is an addendum to the previous Military Aid video, prompted by information from Benny Pye about further airframe supplies to Ukraine.
France delivers Mirage 2000 fighter jets to Ukraine
🎦 00:21-00:53⏩
- France has delivered the first batch of Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets to Ukraine, likely consisting of three aircraft.
- Ukrainian pilots have been trained to operate these jets.
- At least six Mirage 2000s are expected from France, with potential for more from other nations operating these aircraft.
- This delivery is considered "really good news" as it diversifies Ukraine's air capabilities.
Netherlands sends second batch of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine
🎦 00:53-02:42⏩
- Following discussions between Ukrainian Defence Minister Ruslan Umarov and the Dutch Minister of Defence, the Netherlands has officially announced the transfer of a second batch of F-16 fighter jets to the Ukrainian Air Force.
- Ruslan Umarov stated on Telegram that Ukrainian skies are becoming more protected and that the newly received Mirage 2000s and F-16s are already in Ukraine and will soon commence combat missions.
- Umarov expressed gratitude to France and the Netherlands for their contributions to Ukraine's security and for bringing Ukraine closer to victory.
Details of F-16 deliveries and capabilities
🎦 02:42-05:37⏩
- An article from "New Voice of Ukraine" reported on a meeting between Ukrainian and Dutch defence ministers on January 31st, focusing on F-16 supplies and military aid for 2025.
- Ukraine anticipates receiving the next batch of F-16s in 2025, alongside ongoing pilot and technical training.
- The Netherlands is recognised as playing a crucial role in the "Air Force Coalition" for Ukraine, supporting the development of aviation infrastructure and capabilities.
- The ministers also discussed the allocation of €400 million in aid and joint projects for long-range drone capabilities.
- Jonathan refers to an infographic detailing the F-16 as a fourth-generation aircraft with over 5,000 units produced and 10 variants.
- The F-16 has nine mounting points and can carry 7,700 kg of suspended elements, including various air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, guided and unguided bombs.
- Zelenskyy confirmed F-16 deliveries in August, and during a ceremony, F-16s, MiG-29s, and Su-27s flew over Ukraine.
- The Economist reported Ukraine had received 10 of the 79 promised F-16s. Ukraine reportedly desires 120-160 F-16s for a significant air advantage.
Current operational jet numbers and future expectations
🎦 05:37-08:10⏩
- 79 F-16s have been promised to Ukraine, possibly with an additional 10 for spare parts.
- Combining the delivered Mirage 2000s and F-16s, Ukraine likely has around 20 operational jets out of the total promised.
- By the end of 2024, Ukraine was expected to have the capability to operate 20 F-16s.
- Jonathan speculates that with recent deliveries, Ukraine might now have around 30 operational jets, including Mirages and F-16s from the Netherlands, but the exact number of delivered F-16s is not publicly known.
- Ukraine experienced its first F-16 crash in August, resulting in the death of a Ukrainian Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.
- There were unconfirmed reports in October from the Institute of the Study of War that a Ukrainian F-16 may have shot down a Russian Su-34 jet.
- Denmark has approved the transfer of two more batches of F-16s to Ukraine, with six aircraft already received and a total of 19 expected from Denmark.
- The Netherlands reportedly delivered the last two of its promised 18 F-16s to a training centre in Romania in November, which are likely now in Ukraine.
- Ukrainian pilot training on Western F fighter jets has been reduced to nearly three months.
- Jonathan believes Ukraine needs more F-16s and questions why the US, with its large F-16 fleet, has not directly provided any, despite contributing to training and armaments.
The need for more jets and prioritising air power
🎦 08:10-09:52⏩
- Jonathan reiterates that the news of Mirage and F-16 deliveries is positive, but Ukraine urgently needs "loads more" jets.
- He expresses his opinion that it is strategically preferable to risk losing planes and pilots in combat to save infantry lives on the front lines.
- He argues that while pilots are valuable, trained replacements can be found, whereas infantry losses in "meat assaults" are far more detrimental.
- Jonathan advocates for providing Ukraine with as much military equipment as possible, including jets, and maximising pilot training.
- He also mentions his desire to see Swedish Gripen jets supplied to Ukraine.
Wrap up
🎦 09:52-09:55⏩
- Jonathan concludes the breaking news update and thanks viewers for watching.
- He signs off, promising to speak again soon.