Belgium to deliver three F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by end of 2026
Belgium will deliver three F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of 2026 under an accelerated procedure, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sept. 29.
Ukraine has also received urgent deliveries of F-16 ammunition from Belgium and other partners, including Spain, Zelenskyy said.
“When Russia increases its escalation every day, we need to strengthen our capabilities to shoot down aerial targets and protect people,” he said.
Belgium previously pledged to provide Ukraine with 30 F-16s as it replaces its aging fleet with F-35 fighter jets.
Deliveries have been delayed, however, as Belgium waited for the arrival of its new aircraft before transferring the F-16s.
The three aircraft announced by Zelenskyy would be the first Belgian F-16s delivered to Ukraine.