The aircraft will be delivered under an accelerated procedure by the end of 2026
Ukraine and Belgium have reached an agreement on the transfer of three F-16 fighter jets by the end of this year. The delivery of the aircraft will follow an accelerated schedule. This was reported by Glavcom citing Volodymyr Zelenskyy, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
Within the framework of defense cooperation, the Belgian government has decided to support the Ukrainian air force with additional equipment. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the signing of the agreement, emphasizing the importance of urgently strengthening the protection of Ukrainian airspace.
In addition to the fighters themselves, Kyiv has already received the first shipments of ammunition for the F-16s. The weapons were supplied not only by the Belgian side but also by other partners, including Spain, which allowed for an immediate reinforcement of the capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force.
Strengthening air defense capabilities
The head of state stressed that the intensification of enemy air attacks compels Ukraine to find ways to rapidly scale up its air defense capabilities. The availability of additional fighters is critical for protecting the civilian population from daily strikes by russia.
It should be noted that the cooperation between the two countries in the aviation sector is systemic in nature. Beyond the transfer of the jets, Belgium has committed to maintenance services for the equipment, including repairs and the supply of spare parts over the coming months.
Prospects for further assistance
Previously, Minister of Defence of Ukraine Yevhenii Khmara and his Belgian counterpart Theo Francken coordinated a defense support strategy for the upcoming year. The parties discussed not only the operation of the existing F-16s but also the possibility of providing additional ammunition to counter jet-powered drones.
According to the president, the support from Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and the country’s entire government serves as a response to the destructive actions of the aggressor. The collaboration between Kyiv and Brussels remains a key element in countering russian escalation on the front line and protecting cities in the rear.
Photo: Belgium Ministère de la Défense
Read also: IT Coalition delivers €1.85B in aid to Ukraine defence forces over three years
