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Command Center for Patriot, F-16 Jets, and €150 Million for HAWK: The Netherlands Strengthens Ukraine’s Air Defense

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MIM-23 Hawk missile launch / Open-source illustrative photo
MIM-23 Hawk missile launch / Open-source illustrative photo

The Netherlands has allocated €150 million for the procurement of HAWK air defense systems for Ukraine and has also delivered a command center for the Patriot system, along with another batch of F-16 fighter jets, to the Ukrainian Defense Forces

This was reported by the Dutch Ministry of Defense.

Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans stated that just two weeks ago, he witnessed the widespread destruction caused by russian airstrikes during a visit to Dnipro.

Read more: Ukraine Officially Receives Its First French Mirage 2000 and F-16 Fighter Jets from the Netherlands Following January Reports about Their Arrival

“Innocent civilians and children are being targeted every day. These systems save lives and are therefore of immeasurable value to Ukrainians. With this, we are also responding to President Zelensky’s call,” the minister said.

The ministry clarified that the previously announced €150 million will be spent on the purchase of I-HAWK systems. The number of systems to be acquired has not been disclosed. Deliveries will be carried out in cooperation with the United Kingdom.

Patriot system on duty in Ukraine
Patriot system on duty in Ukraine / Illustrative photo credit: Ukrainian Air Force

In addition, the Netherlands has provided a command center for the Patriot air defense system. Combined with launchers and a radar previously supplied by the Netherlands, this will enable the deployment of a complete Patriot system.

It should be recalled that in late May 2024, the Netherlands announced plans to provide another Patriot system to Ukraine in partnership with other countries, with the Netherlands supplying core components and other partners contributing additional elements.

According to the Dutch Ministry of Defense, these plans, first announced in May 2024, have now been implemented.

The F-16 aircraft
The F-16 aircraft / open source

Furthermore, the defense minister announced that Ukraine has recently received an additional batch of Dutch F-16 fighter jets. Publicly, this marks the third confirmed delivery of F-16s from the Netherlands. The number of aircraft transferred has not been disclosed.

In total, the Netherlands has committed to delivering 24 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.

The first transfer of F-16s from the Royal Netherlands Air Force was announced in early October 2024. The second batch was confirmed in February 2025.

Read more: Ukraine's New F-16s From the Netherlands: What's Different From Danish Version