Belgium to transfer more F-16 fighters to Ukraine than previously planned — defence minister

Belgian Defence Minister Theo Franken has announced plans to supply F-16 fighters to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He stated this in a conversation with journalists before the start of the NATO ministerial meeting.

Franken said that Belgium has already decided to transfer more fighters to the Armed Forces of Ukraine than previously promised.

"We are strengthening our assistance to Ukraine. We will transfer seven F-16s this year, four of them for spare parts, three are ready to carry out missions in the skies of Ukraine, to protect Ukraine from Russian aggression," he said. Previously, Belgium promised to transfer only four non-combat-ready fighters to Ukraine, for use as spare parts donors for other F-16s.

Initially, Brussels planned to transfer these F-16s in 2025-26, but no information has been provided yet on the start of deliveries.

The minister said that he considers it important to also transfer functional fighters, as they have proven themselves to be "a good platform against ’shaheds’ and cruise missiles."

The Ministry of Defence plans to significantly increase the volume of supplies, but avoided specifics

"I will propose to the government to transfer all F-16s to Ukraine in the coming years – and this will depend on us receiving F-35s. We have our role in protecting the sky, in nuclear doctrine, and we must fulfill this role," said Theo Franken.