When Ukraine will receive F-16s from Belgium: MoD announces timeline
Illustrative photo: Ukraine to receive F-16s from Belgium (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Belgium will be able to provide Ukraine with additional F-16 fighter jets, at best, next year, states Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken, according to Radio Svoboda.
The defense minister stated that deliveries were continuing on schedule and that the first three F-35s, rather than four, had already arrived. He noted that the aircraft now needed to become fully operational, which he estimated would take about a year to a year and a half, and added that once they reached operational capability, the F-16s could be transferred to Ukraine.
According to him, the deployment of the F-35s is directly linked to the ability to transfer F-16s to Ukraine.
Francken added that this was a very important phase and that he always explained it to the Ukrainians. He emphasized that the F-16s would be transferred as soon as possible, but reminded that their country possessed DCA (Defensive Counter Air) capabilities and played a key role in NATO’s nuclear deterrence policy, which he described as the cornerstone of its doctrine.
F-16s for Ukraine
Belgium has committed to supplying the Ukrainian army with up to 30 F-16 fighter jets by 2028. This is outlined in the security and long-term support agreement signed by Belgium and Ukraine on May 28, 2024.
According to the document, the first aircraft are to be delivered "as soon as possible," with the actual transfer depending on the replacement of Belgium’s F-16s with new F-35s.
The Belgian government noted that participation in building Ukraine’s aviation defense component involves not only supplying aircraft but also training pilots, providing technical support, and ensuring the operation and maintenance of F-16s on Ukrainian territory.
In May, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken even stated that Belgium would transfer its F-16s to Ukraine earlier than initially planned.
