Ukraine to Receive Seven F-16 Fighter Jets from Belgium This Year

Belgium will provide Ukraine with seven F-16 fighter jets by the end of 2026 as part of its military assistance.

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken announced this on June 18 ahead of a NATO defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels, according to European Pravda.

He noted that four of the jets will be used for spare parts, while three will be used for combat operations within the Ukrainian Air Force.

“This year we will help by delivering seven F-16s. Four for spare parts, three for operations in Ukrainian skies to defend Ukraine against Russian aggression,” the minister said.

Francken noted that F-16 fighter jets have proven to be “a good platform against Shahed drones and cruise missiles.”

Last month, Belgian media reported that Belgium’s Ministry of Defense plans to complete the delivery of all promised F-16 fighterjets to Ukraine by the end of 2029.

The transfers will depend on Belgium receiving new fifth-generation F-35A fighter jets produced by Lockheed Martin.

According to preliminary plans, five F-16 aircraft are scheduled for delivery to Ukraine in 2027, 14 in 2028, and another 27 in 2029.

However, the delivery dates and quantities may change, as Belgium will consider the operational needs of its Air Force and its obligations as a NATO member.

Delays in F-16 deliveries

In February 2025, it was reported that Belgium would be unable to begin transferring its F-16 aircraft in 2025 due to delays in receiving the F-35A fighter jets.

Although the contract for the F-35A was signed in 2018 and the first deliveries were expected in 2023, the aircraft did not arrive at Florennes Air Base until October 2025.

Belgian Air Force instructors are also training Ukrainian pilots at a training center at Fetesti Air Base in Romania.