Zelenskyy Discussed the Supply of F-16s to Ukraine with the Belgian Prime Minister
During a meeting in Brussels with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed military aid to Ukraine and the timeline for the transfer of F-16 fighter jets.
According to Zelenskyy, Belgium is preparing a new support package for Ukraine and will also join the PURL program.
The parties paid particular attention to the delivery of F-16 fighter jets. The president said that Ukraine is expected to receive the first aircraft from Belgium as early as this year.
Zelenskyy emphasized that strengthening air defense and protecting Ukrainian airspace remain among the country’s top priorities.
Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Ukraine may also receive 62 F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets. This refers to the potential transfer to Ukraine of F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets in the C (55 aircraft) and D (7 aircraft) variants, which are currently in service with the Finnish Air Force and are gradually being phased out. Experts are assessing the likelihood of such a transfer and its impact on strengthening Ukraine’s air force.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine would allocate part of the 90 billion euro financial aid package from the European Union to defense needs, specifically for the purchase of Gripen fighter jets from Sweden. According to the head of state, the funding will help strengthen Ukraine’s defense and modernize its air power capabilities.
