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Belgium Has Seven More F-16s for Ukraine—and Says More Could Be Coming
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Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken has outlined new plans for the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, announcing an increase in both the number and operational status of aircraft to be transferred, according to UNITED24 Media correspondents.
Speaking to journalists ahead of NATO Defense Ministers Meeting, Francken said Belgium has revised its earlier commitments and will now provide more F-16s than previously pledged.
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“We will help them (Ukraine) with delivering seven F1-6s this year—four for spare parts and three to operate in the skies of Ukraine to defend Ukraine against Russian aggression,” he said.
Francken also stressed the importance of providing combat-ready aircraft, noting their effectiveness in countering Russian drones and cruise missiles.
He added that Belgium may further expand its support in the coming years, depending on the arrival of new F-35 fighter jets to replace its current fleet.
“I'll propose to the government to send all our F-16s to Ukraine in the coming years. It depends on us having the F-35s. We have our rule in the nuclear doctrine of NATO. So we have to have the F-35s before we can deliver F-16s,” Defense Minister added.
In parallel with its planned F-16 deliveries, Belgium is also expanding support for Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.
According to Zona Militar on April 26, Brussels intends to purchase and refurbish 15 retired Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft systems for eventual transfer to Ukraine, with the aim of strengthening Kyiv’s short-range air defense capacity.
The initiative is part of a wider €1 billion ($1.17 billion) military assistance package approved by the Belgian government earlier this month to support Ukraine in the coming period.
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