Belgium postpones commitment to provide F-16s to Ukraine
(MENAFN) Belgium has postponed its commitment to supply F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, saying the transfer will now occur “in the years to come,” according to Defense Minister Theo Francken. The delay is due to Belgium awaiting delivery of its new F-35 aircraft from the United States, which are needed to replace the aging F-16s before they can be passed on.
In 2023, Belgium, alongside NATO allies Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway, pledged to provide Ukraine with up to 80 F-16s following authorization from then-U.S. President Joe Biden. Since then, Ukraine has received about 20 of the promised jets from Denmark and the Netherlands.
Speaking at a Washington event hosted by the Atlantic Council, Francken maintained that Belgium remains a top supporter of Ukraine’s air capabilities, despite not yet delivering any aircraft. He reaffirmed that Belgium is committed to eventually providing 30 operational F-16s as soon as feasible.
Francken attributed the delay to logistical factors, explaining that Belgium will release the jets only after it receives F-35s from the U.S., allowing the country to maintain its air defense capabilities. He emphasized Belgium's strong backing of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the broader Ukrainian cause.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever recently announced that two non-functional F-16s would be sent to Ukraine by the end of 2025 for use as spare parts. Additionally, Belgium has pledged €1 billion ($1.1 billion) in annual military aid to Ukraine, with formal approval expected soon.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has authorized a $310.5 million package to support Ukraine's use of the F-16s, covering training, spare parts, software updates, and logistics. Despite early hopes that F-16s would shift the balance in the war with Russia, the jets have so far seen limited frontline deployment and are primarily used in air defense roles. Russia has reportedly downed two Ukrainian-operated F-16s, according to its Defense Ministry.
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