Belgium's authorities have decided to transfer F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine as early as 2024. The exact timeframe is unknown, according to the Prime Minister of Belgium, Alexander De Croo, and the Minister of Defense of Belgium, Ludivine Dedonder.
According to the Minister of Defense, they want to deliver the aircraft to Ukraine "as quickly as possible". Moreover, every effort is being made to ensure that the delivery takes place this year.
Dedonder also noted that Belgium's defense capability is not at risk as a result of this transfer.
De Croo emphasized that the transfer of fighter jets should be financed by income from frozen Russian assets and not by Belgian taxpayers' money.
F-16 from Belgium
In December of last year, the Minister of Defense of Belgium, Ludivine Dedonder, confirmed that her country plans to provide Ukrainian pilots with F-16 fighter jets in 2025. She did not disclose the exact number of jets planned for transfer.
In January of this year, Belgian media reported that Belgium would send two two-seater F-16s to Denmark for training Ukrainian pilots.
Also, at the end of March, Belgium allocated 100 million euros for the maintenance of F-16s, which Ukraine is supposed to receive from allies in 2024.
