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Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken has unveiled plans to supply additional F-16 fighter jets to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He announced the decision while speaking with journalists ahead of the NATO defense ministers’ meeting, UATV English reports.
Francken said that Belgium has already decided to provide Ukraine with more fighter jets than previously promised.
“We are increasing our support for Ukraine. We will transfer seven F-16s this year: four of them for spare parts, and three ready to carry out missions in Ukrainian skies and defend Ukraine against Russian aggression,” he stated.
Previously, Belgium had pledged to provide only four non-operational fighter jets to be used as a source of spare parts for other F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.
Brussels had originally planned to transfer these F-16s in 2025–2026, but no deliveries had been announced until now.
The minister said it was important to provide operational aircraft as well, noting that the F-16 has proven to be “a good platform against Shahed drones and cruise missiles.”
Belgium’s Ministry of Defence plans to significantly increase the scale of deliveries, although Francken did not provide specific figures.
“I will propose that the government transfer all F-16s to Ukraine in the coming years, and this will depend on our receipt of F-35s. We have our role in protecting the skies, in the nuclear doctrine, and we must fulfill that role,” Theo Francken said.
According to various estimates, the Belgian Air Force currently operates more than 40 F-16 aircraft.
It is worth recalling that last year Belgium’s prime minister outlined in Kyiv when the promised F-16s could be expected, but those plans were not implemented. Earlier, the manufacturer announced that the first F-35 Lightning II aircraft ordered by Belgium would be delivered later than originally scheduled.
Read also: Germany to Allocate Another $400 Million to Ukraine for Air Defense and Patriot Missiles Under PURL
