Belgium accelerates F‑16 transfer to Ukraine amid delays
The Belgian Defence Minister, Theo Francken, has announced that his country will endeavour to "send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine ahead of schedule." Only a few weeks ago, Brussels had indicated that these transfers to the front line would be delayed until the ordered F-35s arrive in Belgium in 2026.
Ahead of the EU Council meeting, Theo Francken stated that support for Ukraine will remain steady in the years to come, with €1 billion per year allocated for military assistance. He also expressed confidence that the delivery of F-16s could be accelerated, describing the developments as positive news.
Belgian F-16s for Ukraine
Theo Francken did not divulge any further details. However, the declared intent suggests that Ukraine will receive the promised F-16s before 2026, which was the previously mentioned date in announcements from a few weeks ago.
It remains unclear how the Belgian authorities have resolved the issue they previously highlighted. The concern involves the gap anticipated after the transfer of the F-16s to Ukraine and before the arrival of the ordered F-35s. These were initially expected to start arriving in Belgium in 2023; however, the date was subsequently moved to the end of 2024, and finally to 2025.
Changes in Belgium's combat aviation
In 2018, Belgium ordered 34 F-35 fighter jets, for which it is currently awaiting delivery. In April, the Belgian authorities decided to purchase additional aircraft of this type. According to Army Recognition, there will be 11 additional jets.
The F-16 fighter jets being sent to Ukraine by the "coalition of the willing" are modified F-16A/B MLU variants (Mid-Life Update from the 1990s). Compared to older variants, they have several significant upgrades, including improved radar and the capability to employ a more diverse range of weaponry, such as AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles with a range of about 60 miles.
