Belgian PM outlines timeline for promised F-16 jets to Ukraine

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has stated that Ukraine is expected to receive two F-16 fighter jets for spare parts this year, with the timing of the deliveries depending on when Belgium itself will receive the F-35 fighter jets it has ordered.

De Wever was asked during a joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv about the timing of the promised F-16 deliveries.

"We will deliver two F-16s for spare parts this year and certainly deliver two fighter planes next year. We hope to do more but we are depending on the delivery of the F-35. There is no delay in Belgium but the F-35 has delays. Once the F-35 arrives, the F-16 leaves, it's as simple as that," De Wever said.

It was reported back in 2023 that Belgium's ordered F-35s would be delivered with delays.

On 8 April, Prime Minister Bart De Wever, Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot and Defence Minister Theo Francken arrived in Kyiv – their first visit to Ukraine since the formation of Belgium's new government.