Belgium is to transfer seven F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of this year. This was announced on 18 June by Belgian Defence Minister Theo Franken ahead of the NATO defence ministers’ meeting in Brussels, according to a Radio Free Europe correspondent.
“This year, we will help by transferring seven F-16s. Four will be used for spare parts, and three will be deployed in Ukrainian airspace to defend Ukraine against Russian aggression and Shahed drones,” said Theo Franken.
According to him, the F-16 is an effective platform not only for combating drones, but also for intercepting cruise missiles and other airborne threats.
The Belgian minister also stated that he would propose to the government that all Belgian F-16s be transferred to Ukraine in the coming years.
However, he added that the pace of the transfer would depend on the Belgian Air Force taking delivery of new F-35 fighter jets.
“We must receive the F-35s before we can transfer the F-16s, as we need to ensure our own air defence and fulfil Belgium’s role within NATO’s nuclear doctrine. So first we must receive the F-35s, and only then can we transfer the F-16s,” he explained.
Franken also said that he is due to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Brussels later today.
Belgium is part of the international coalition led by Denmark and the Netherlands to transfer F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Belgium had previously announced its intention to gradually transfer all its aircraft of this type to Ukraine once they had been replaced by American F-35s.
In March 2025, the Belgian government reported delays in the delivery of F-16s to Ukraine due to delays in the delivery of new F-35s from the US to Belgium.