Belgium ready to hand Ukraine three F-16s with electronic warfare, but there's a catch
F-16 fighter jets (photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Belgium plans to finalize an agreement on transferring three F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine in the near future. France must approve the transfer because it installed electronic warfare systems on the aircraft, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken said.
According to him, the aircraft were upgraded with French electronic warfare technology, so Paris must approve them before they can be sent. The issue should be resolved quickly.
"We can do this fairly quickly... Once it is approved, we will be able to provide the F-16s. I believe we can get this approved soon. Then we will begin organizing the logistics," Francken noted.
F-16 maintenance, new ammunition
The defense minister also denied reports that Ukrainian aircraft were experiencing maintenance problems with Belgian company Sabena Engineering.
Francken clarified that the company services four F-16 fighter jets each month, and that figure could increase to six aircraft in the future.
In addition, Belgium continues to supply Ukraine with ammunition for its aircraft. After sending the latest batch of 50,000 rounds, the Belgian side is already working on a new request from the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Previously, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said F-16s are effectively shooting down Russian jet-powered drones, but many of the aircraft have been in Europe for repairs for extended periods.
In addition, Ukraine is seeking to purchase tens of thousands of 20 mm rounds for its F-16s. They plan to use them against Russian jet-powered drones.
