Belgium to Send First F-16s to Ukraine as Early as September

First Belgian F-16s Arriving Soon in Ukraine

Belgium has confirmed in Odessa that the first F-16 fighter jets bound for Ukraine are ready for delivery within the next few months—possibly as early as September. With this move, Belgium is initiating the single largest individual donation of fighter aircraft to Ukraine so far.

30 Jets by 2028

In total, Belgium has committed to supplying 30 modernized F-16s by 2028. No other donor nation has made such a large single pledge. According to Brussels, the donation is possible because the Belgian Air Force itself is transitioning to the new generation F-35s.

Support Beyond Fighter Jets

The support from Belgium extends well beyond F-16s. The country has already trained over 3,000 Ukrainian soldiers and technicians, delivered drones, invested in rebuilding schools and hospitals, and contributed 20 million euros to the Black Sea grain initiative. Belgium will also participate in naval mine clearance operations in the Black Sea until 2029.

Peace Mission in the Long Term

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot emphasized in Odessa that further support may be forthcoming once the conflict subsides:
“We are ready to take part in peacekeeping forces whenever the need arises.”

A Quantum Leap for Ukraine’s Air Force

The Belgian F-16s—in F-16AM and F-16BM versions—have undergone a comprehensive Block 15 Mid-Life Update. This modernization will soon allow Ukraine to utilize advanced NATO systems such as Link 16, precision weapons like JDAMs and AMRAAMs, as well as long-range JASSM cruise missiles. Experts say this could provide Ukraine with a leap in capabilities, bringing the country’s air defense much closer to NATO standards.

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