Belgian media report 53 F-16s for Ukraine, although officially only 30 fighters were mentioned
Kyiv • UNN
Belgium may transfer 53 F-16 aircraft to Ukraine instead of the previously announced 30. The delivery schedule is set through 2029 and depends on the receipt of F-35s.
Belgium may begin transferring F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine as early as this year, and the total number of aircraft under the program could reach 53 units. This was reported by Defense Express with reference to the Belgian publication Le Vif, according to UNN.
Details
According to journalists, the delivery of the fighter jets will directly depend on the arrival of American F-35s for the Belgian Air Force. The transfer of aircraft to Ukraine could last until 2029.
According to the released schedule, Ukraine could receive seven F-16s as early as 2026, another five in 2027, 14 in 2028, and 27 fighter jets in 2029.
The number of aircraft turned out to be significantly higher than officially announced
Defense Express noted that the total figure of 53 fighter jets was mentioned publicly for the first time. Previously, only the transfer of 30 F-16 aircraft had been officially reported.
At the same time, Belgium has not yet transferred a single fighter jet to Ukraine, although country officials previously stated possible deliveries in 2024 or 2025. The Belgian Ministry of Defense previously explained the delay by stating that the process directly depends on the modernization of the country's own air fleet.
According to Defense Express, as of 2025, Belgium had 42 F-16AM and 8 F-16BM fighter jets in service. Some of the aircraft that may be transferred to Ukraine will likely be used as spare part donors rather than combat vehicles.
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