Belgium to deliver seven F-16 fighters to Ukraine in 2026

Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken announced that Belgium will accelerate its military aid to Ukraine by transferring seven F‑16 fighter jets in 2026. Three of the aircraft will be ready for operational missions, while the remaining four are earmarked for spare‑parts support. The delivery is part of a broader plan to eventually transfer the rest of Belgium’s F‑16 fleet to Ukraine, contingent on the completion of Belgium’s own transition to F‑35 aircraft.

The announcement follows earlier delays linked to Belgium’s acquisition of F‑35s and reflects a significant increase in Belgian defence spending. Belgium previously lagged behind other NATO contributors, but now aims to provide additional aircraft in the coming years, with proposals for up to twenty more F‑16s in 2027‑28 and the remainder of its fleet by 2030. In contrast, Poland’s planned hand‑over of MiG‑29s to Ukraine remains suspended over concerns about modernization costs.

Overall, the pledge underscores Belgium’s effort to bolster Ukraine’s air capabilities against Russian aggression while navigating its own procurement timelines.