The first jets arrived in August 2024.The F-16 program was a key focus of Umerov’s meeting with Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans in The Hague. The Netherlands will continue training Ukrainian pilots, engineers, and technicians, Umerov said after visiting the base where Ukrainian personnel are gaining hands-on experience in servicing and repairing the aircraft."This is yet another step toward establishing a full-fledged aviation infrastructure in Ukraine," Umerov said.Umerov also met with representatives of Dutch defense companies who showcased missiles, drones, and radars. He and Brekelmans discussed further development of Ukraine’s drone capabilities, the 400 million euros ($415 million) in military aid previously announced by the Netherlands, and joint projects to enhance Ukraine’s long-range strike capacity."Industrial cooperation is another key focus. The next logical step is the development of joint defense enterprises to strengthen our armed forces," Umerov added.In historic record, Ukrainian F-16 pilot downs 6 cruise missiles in single mission, Air Force claimsFor the first time in the history of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a Ukrainian-operated jet shot down six Russian cruise missiles during a single mission in December, the Air Force claimed on Jan.