Belgium to transfer seven F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and preparing to hand over entire fleet

Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken has unveiled plans to supply F-16 fighter jets to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Source: Theo Francken, speaking to journalists ahead of a NATO ministerial meeting, a European Pravda correspondent reports from Brussels

Details: Francken said Belgium has decided to provide more aircraft than previously promised.

"On Ukraine, we're stepping up even more on the help. We will help them by delivering seven F-16s this year. So there will be seven F-16s this year – four for spare parts and three to operate in the skies of Ukraine to defend Ukraine against Russian aggression," he said.

Previously, Belgium had pledged to supply only four non-operational jets to be used as donors for spare parts for other F-16s.

Initially, Brussels planned to deliver these F-16s in 2025-2026, but no deliveries had been announced until now.

Francken stressed the importance of transferring operational aircraft as well, noting that they have proved to be a good platform against Shahed drones and cruise missiles.

Belgium's Defence Ministry is planning to significantly increase the volume of deliveries, although it has not provided specific details.

"I'll propose to the government to send all our F-16s to Ukraine in the coming years. It depends on having the F-35s in place because, of course, we have DCA [defensive counter-air] capacity. We have our role in the nuclear doctrine of NATO," Francken stated.

According to various sources, Belgium's air force currently operates more than 40 F-16 aircraft.

Background: During a visit to Kyiv last year, Belgium's prime minister outlined a timeline for the promised F-16 deliveries, but those plans were not fulfilled. Earlier, the manufacturer reported delays in the delivery of the first F-35s ordered by Belgium.

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