Belgium to send F-16s to Ukraine sooner than expected
Photo: Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken (Getty Images)
Ukraine may receive F-16 fighter jets from Belgium earlier than planned, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports, citing Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken.
"As for the F-16s - we are already part of and will remain in the F-16 coalition, and we will try to deliver the planes even earlier than the set deadline. I think this is also good news," Francken said.
However, the Defense Minister did not specify the delivery date. Francken also said that Belgium will be "active" when it comes to the Coalition of the Willing.
"At the level of chiefs of general staff, there is a working group, and they are operating under the leadership of the UK and France. They are developing a plan and working very closely together. We are almost at the goal. So I believe the situation is moving in the right direction," Belgian Defense Minister said.
F-16s for Ukraine
In 2023, Ukraine, together with its allies, formed an aviation coalition aimed at delivering F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. As President Volodymyr Zelensky noted, Ukraine needs at least 128 such aircraft.
In 2024, the first F-16 fighter jets from partner countries arrived in Ukraine. The first planes were delivered by the Netherlands and Denmark.
Earlier, Ukraine's Presidential Office stated that Belgium will transfer 30 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of 2028.
In addition, Ukraine will receive additional F-16 fighter jets from partners. The planes are already being prepared for delivery.
