Belgium’s transfer of fighter jets to Ukraine will depend on when the country receives new F-35 aircraft to replace its aging F-16 fleet.
This year, Belgium is set to send seven F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. According to Defense Minister Theo Francken, if Brussels receives F-35s as replacements, he will propose to the government that all remaining F-16s be given to Kyiv. That’s according to comments reported by Ukrinform.
"This year, Ukraine will receive seven F-16s: four to be used for spare parts, and three to fly in Ukrainian skies and defend the country from Russian aggression," the defense minister said.
Francken emphasized that the F-16 is an effective platform, particularly in confronting cruise missiles and other threats. However, any decision to send the full F-16 fleet will depend on Belgium’s delivery timeline for the F-35.
"I will propose to the government that we transfer all our F-16s to Ukraine in the coming years. But this depends on when we get the F-35s because we also have DCA capabilities and play a role in NATO’s nuclear doctrine. We need to receive the F-35s before we can transfer the F-16s," he added.
Earlier reports indicated that, as of early 2026, Belgium had not yet delivered any of the 30 F-16 fighter jets it had pledged to Ukraine. The defense ministry explained the delay was due to rescheduling of the F-35 procurement process for Belgium’s own air force.
