Belgium pledges 10 F-16 fighter jets for Ukraine by year-end

Belgium to deliver F-16s

De Wever says the fighter jets will help Ukraine defend itself against Russian strike drones.

"Ukraine urgently needs operational fighter jets and we can make our contribution," he said.

The Belgian prime minister did not disclose any further details about the bilateral meeting. However, he noted that the F-16 issue had "obviously" been discussed.

Delays in F-16 deliveries

Belgium will transfer its aging F-16 fleet to Ukraine as it replaces them with new F-35 fighter jets.

The original plan was to deliver 30 F-16s by 2028, but the schedule depends on the phased arrival of F-35 aircraft, the outlet reports.

De Wever said the new aircraft are now beginning to arrive, making it possible to transfer F-16s to Ukraine.

"We have fallen a little behind because of longer delays affecting the F-35s. We will deliver 10 (aircraft — ed.) this year," he said.

Other agreements

De Wever and Zelenskyy also discussed F-16 ammunition manufactured by Belgian company FN Herstal.

The Belgian premier also reaffirmed his support for Kyiv.

"I made it clear that, as far as I am concerned, the European Union must continue to support Ukraine. I have a clear view of how this can be done. I have not yet discussed it, but I think it will come up tomorrow and I am prepared for that," he said.

RBC-Ukraine previously reported that Ukraine expects to receive F-16 fighter jets from Belgium, along with ammunition for the aircraft. Zelenskyy emphasized that these jets help the country counter Russia's jet-powered Shahed drones.

In addition, Belgium plans to finalize arrangements to transfer three F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine soon. The process requires approval from France.