Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever announced the transfer of 10 F-16 jets to Ukraine, citing the arrival of new F-35 aircraft as a catalyst for the increased commitment.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever announced on October 16 that Belgium will deliver 10 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of this year. The commitment was confirmed during a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Brussels on the sidelines of an EU summit. The delivery schedule, which marks an increase from previous plans, is now supported by the arrival of Belgium’s new F-35 fighter jets.

Increased Delivery Commitment

The announcement represents a significant increase from Belgium’s earlier plan, which had anticipated the delivery of three F-16s by the end of 2026. Prime Minister De Wever explained that the transfer process had previously been delayed due to the late arrival of Belgium’s replacement F-35 aircraft from the United States. With the new jets now beginning to arrive, the government is able to accelerate the transfer of its aging F-16 fleet to Kyiv.

Operational Needs and Support

During the meeting, the leaders discussed the role of the F-16s in strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses against Russian drone and missile attacks. De Wever noted that the aircraft are essential for countering jet-powered drones and intercepting various aerial targets. In addition to the aircraft, the discussions covered the supply of ammunition for the F-16s, specifically 20 mm rounds produced by the Belgian defense company FN Herstal. The two leaders also addressed Ukraine’s broader financial requirements and the ongoing European Union support for the country.