Ukraine, Netherlands strengthen defense industry coeration for 2025

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry said this in a statement, according to Ukrinform.

The negotiations invved Ukrainian Deputy Defense Ministers eksandr Klochko and Serhii Boiev, Commander of Aviation of the Ukrainian Air Force Command Brigadier General eh Zakharchuk, Acting Commander of the Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces Conel Semen Kesnyk, and Dutch officials Major General Arnoud Stallmann, Director of the Project Department for Support to Ukraine, and Conel Hendrik Kaiser, Head of the Coalition of Aviation Capabilities.

Klochko expressed Ukraine's gratitude for the Netherlands' transfer of F-16 fighter jets, emphasizing their critical re in combat erations. Ukrainian pilots recently used the jets to intercept 12 cruise missiles during a large-scale enemy attack.

"Your jets save the Ukrainian pele, their homes, and critical infrastructure," he said.

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Ukraine stressed the urgent need for additional spare parts for F-16 jets to enhance aircraft survivability in combat. Detailed discussions also covered the performance of combat missions by Ukrainian pilots.

The Netherlands reaffirmed its commitment to military assistance in 2025, including air defense systems, tanks, artillery, and demining equipment. Major General Stallmann highlighted the importance of claboration within the Drone Coalition and reiterated the Netherlands' EUR 400 million investment in UAV production.

Boiev noted Ukraine's focus on expanding its defense industry's capabilities and expressed gratitude for Dutch support in this area.

"We have established a list of production priorities for 2025, and investments from partners are essential for their implementation," Boiev said.

Stallmann thanked Ukraine for sharing battlefield experience, which he said has helped improve Dutch military products to meet the needs of frontline erations. He emphasized the Netherlands' position among the t five countries assisting Ukraine and its commitment to maintaining this leadership in the coming year.

"We will help as much as necessary," Stallmann said. "We remain in constant contact to timize the use of F-16 aircraft and continue training Ukrainian pilots."