Belgium to hand over ten F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine this year
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels that Belgium will deliver ten F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of the year. The transfer was delayed because deliveries of American F-35s were pushed back.
Belgium plans to hand over ten American-made F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of this year. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever announced this in Brussels after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Ukraine needs the aircraft to strengthen its capabilities in the war with Russia.
"This year we will hand over ten aircraft," De Wever said.
Why the transfer was delayed
The prime minister explained that the timeline for the F-16 handover was affected by delays in deliveries of American F-35 fighters. The F-35s were intended to replace Belgium's F-16s, so the older jets could not be passed on until the new ones arrived.
What the jets will do for Ukraine
According to De Wever, the aircraft will help Ukraine defend itself against Russian drones. He stressed that Ukraine urgently needs combat-capable aircraft and confirmed Belgium's readiness to contribute.
The talks with Zelensky also covered the supply of ammunition for the F-16s. The prime minister said the European Union must keep supporting Ukraine and that he has a clear idea of how this can be done. He had not yet discussed the matter, but expected it to be raised the following day and said he was ready for it.
Zelensky's visit to Brussels
On Thursday, Zelensky was received in audience by Belgium's King Philippe. The Ukrainian president stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine and its air defence, as well as of delivering F-16s. Earlier, he met representatives of NATO, Poland and France.
