Belgium To Transfer Three F-16s to Ukraine by the End of Year

Belgium plans to transfer the first three F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of 2026.

This was announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

“We will expedite the process of acquiring these aircraft,” Zelensky said.

Ukraine has already received ammunition for the F-16s from Belgium and other countries, including Spain.

In June, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken stated that the country is set to transfer seven F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of 2026.

According to him, four of the aircraft will be used as a source of spare parts, while three are intended directly for combat missions.

F-16s from Belgium

In total, Belgium plans to transfer 53 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of 2029. According to preliminary plans, the delivery of five F-16s to Ukraine is scheduled for 2027, 14 for 2028, and another 27 are to be delivered in 2029. Accordingly, seven aircraft are expected to arrive in 2026.

However, delivery dates and the number of aircraft are subject to change, as Belgium will take into account the operational requirements of its Air Force and the fulfillment of its obligations as a NATO member.

Belgium joined the aviation coalition for Ukraine in 2024 alongside the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway to provide Kyiv with fighter jets.

Initial plans called for the delivery of Belgian fighter jets in 2025, after the F-35As ordered by Belgium begin entering service with the Belgian Air Force.

Ukraine is also working with Belgium on the issue of localizing maintenance of the F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine.