Ukraine to Receive Belgian F-16s Starting 2025

Belgium is actively considering the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, with the initial aircraft expected to arrive in the war-torn country within two years.

The announcement was made by Belgium's Defense Minister, Ludivine Dedonder, who disclosed plans for this potential collaboration during an interview with the Bel RTL radio station on Wednesday morning.

Belgium's Prime Minister has also confirmed the intention to send F-16s to Ukraine. "From the beginning, we have been very clear about providing training, personnel for training, and our own F-16s, including two-seater F-16s, for participation in training missions across Europe in the coming months," stated Prime Minister Alexander De Croo on Wednesday after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Brussels.

According to De Croo, Belgium will be in a position to supply F-16s to Ukraine starting in 2025. He emphasized, "They will be at your disposal, depending on the government's decision at that time."

Dedonder explained that the potential transfer of a "certain number of F-16s" to Ukraine is set to commence in 2025, contingent on Belgium's capacity enhancement in its new F-35 program.

As the host of NATO and the European Union headquarters, Belgium will take responsibility for maintaining the planes and providing training to Ukrainian personnel to ensure they can conduct maintenance effectively.

Meanwhile, De Croo also confirmed that taxation on the proceeds from frozen Russian assets, amounting to €1.7 billion ($1.80 billion), will continue to be directed to Ukraine next year. These funds will support military equipment, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction efforts.