KYIV: The Netherlands is providing Ukraine with 350 million euros for F-16 fighter jet ammunition and advanced reconnaissance drones, Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren announced in Kyiv on Wednesday.

Speaking to Reuters in an interview at the conclusion of atwo-day trip to Ukraine, Ollongren said she had come to showsolidarity and announce the new aid package.

At the Ramstein group meeting of Ukraine’s allies, Ollongrensaid 150 million euros will fund guided air-to-ground missilesthat can be fired from F-16s, while 200 million will go toIntelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) drones,according to a Dutch defence ministry press release.

Dutch prepare delivery of F-16 jets to Ukraine

The Netherlands has pledged 2 billion euros in military aidfor Ukraine in 2024. A significant share will fund ammunitionand drones, which Kyiv has said are desperately needed to endbattlefield losses against Russia.

Denmark, the Netherlands and the United States expect todeliver the first of dozens of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine thissummer after establishing a pilot training programme anddonating aircraft.

In Kyiv, Ollongren said the Danish aircraft would arrivefirst, but they would be followed by the first Dutch planeslater in 2024.

“I’m very confident that we will start delivering F-16s thissummer… Denmark first, and we have a schedule … so in thesecond half of the year the Dutch F-16s will be going this way.”