Belgium will transfer seven F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Franken announced an expansion of F-16 fighter jet deliveries to Ukraine.
According to Franken, Belgium has decided to transfer more aircraft to Ukraine than previously planned.
“We are stepping up our assistance to Ukraine. We will transfer seven F-16s this year, four of which will be used for spare parts, and three will be ready to carry out missions in Ukrainian airspace to defend Ukraine against Russian aggression,” the minister said.
Previously, Belgium had planned to transfer only four non-combat-ready F-16s, which were to be used as sources of spare parts.
Thus, the new package includes a total of seven F-16 fighter jets: four for spare parts and three that are combat-ready.
The transfer of the aircraft was originally scheduled for 2025–2026, but Belgium has now effectively begun revising the delivery schedule.
Franken also noted that the F-16s have proven themselves effective against aerial threats:
“I believe it is important to also transfer operational fighter jets, as they have proven themselves to be an effective platform against ‘Shaheds’ and cruise missiles,” he said.
The defense minister added that Belgium may transfer all of its F-16s to Ukraine in the future, depending on the delivery of new F-35 fighter jets.
Currently, according to various estimates, Belgium has more than 40 F-16s in service.
At the same time, Franken emphasized that the decision on further deliveries will depend on Belgium’s own defense needs and its international obligations, particularly within the framework of NATO’s nuclear doctrine.
He told reporters this before the start of the NATO ministerial meeting.
Ukraine may also receive 62 F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets. This refers to the potential transfer to Ukraine of F/A-18 Hornet fighters 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.
