Draken refuses to buy six more Dutch F-16 fighters - planes could go to Ukraine

A private US company Draken International has refused to buy some F-16 fighter jets from the Royal Dutch Air Force. It is not ruled out that they will go to Ukraine.

Here's What We Know

Draken has signed a contract to buy 12 F-16 fighters with an option for another 28 units. Recently we wrote that the Netherlands has changed its mind about selling 28 planes. Now it has become known that the American company has refused to buy six more fighters.

This is stated in a letter to the Dutch parliament from the Secretary of State for Defence, Christophe van der Maat. Draken originally wanted to buy up to 40 F-16 fighters for use in U.S. Navy and Air Force exercises.

The agreement was terminated by mutual consent of the parties. At the same time, the American company has not yet turned down the purchase of the remaining six fourth-generation aircraft. Deliveries may start in 2024.