BRUSSELS, — Belgium will transfer ten F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of 2026, Prime Minister Bart De Wever announced after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the European Union summit in Brussels on October 15.
The announcement increases Belgium’s previously stated plan to deliver seven aircraft by year-end. De Wever explained that delays in the arrival of American-made F-35 fighter jets had postponed the transfers, as Belgium needs to maintain its fleet to meet NATO commitments. Belgian F-35As began arriving at Florennes Air Base in late 2025.
F-16s to Counter Russian Drones
Zelensky stressed Ukraine’s urgent need for additional fighter jets, particularly to counter Russian jet-powered drones. De Wever said the F-16’s 20-millimeter cannon was one of the widely available weapons suitable for defending against these threats.
The two leaders also discussed accelerating deliveries and supplying 20-millimeter ammunition manufactured by Belgian defence company FN Herstal.
“We can help him. We have that capability. In particular, we can help with 20-millimeter ammunition,” De Wever said.
Ukraine also plans to use the aircraft to protect energy infrastructure ahead of winter, secure bridges and provide air cover for grain exports travelling through the Black Sea corridor.
Earlier Plans and Delivery Delays
In June 2026, Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken said seven F-16s would be transferred by the end of the year, with three intended for combat missions and four for spare parts. De Wever has not clarified how the newly announced ten aircraft will be divided between operational use and spare parts.
Belgium pledged 30 F-16s to Ukraine in May 2024, initially targeting delivery by 2028. The broader commitment was subsequently expanded to 53 aircraft, scheduled for transfer by the end of 2029. The original 2024 delivery timeline was delayed because Belgium needed F-35s to replace its existing F-16 fleet.
In early October 2026, reports indicated that the transfer of an initial three Belgian F-16s would proceed after the signing of a technology-transfer agreement with France. The aircraft use French electronic warfare systems, requiring French approval for their transfer to Ukraine.
Zelensky has confirmed that Ukraine expects additional Belgian F-16s before the end of 2026 and thanked Belgium for its support. Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway have also pledged F-16s to Ukraine, and deliveries from those countries are already under way.
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