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Brussels, 6 March 2025 – Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever said that the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine has been postponed until 2026. He told reporters before the EU leaders’ summit in Brussels, according to Yevropeiska Pravda.
The reason for the delay was Belgium’s expectation of deliveries of the latest F-35 fighter jets from the United States, which are to gradually replace the Belgian Air Force’s F-16 fleet. It is only after the country has upgraded its own capabilities that it will be able to provide Ukraine with combat aircraft.
“We support Ukraine, but we have to ensure the safety of our citizens. The transfer of F-16s is possible only after the F-35s are delivered,” de Wever explained.
According to the report, the F-16s to be transferred to Kyiv are intended for active use in combat operations, but due to a change in the schedule, they will not arrive in Ukraine until 2026.
This news caused concern on the Ukrainian side, as the fighter jets were supposed to be an important part of strengthening air defence and enhancing defence capabilities amid growing threats from Russia.
Currently, Ukraine continues to cooperate with other F-16 partners, including the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway, which previously agreed to deliver the aircraft as part of the Fighter Coalition. However, any delay in such deliveries could affect the pace of strengthening Ukraine’s air defence in the coming years.
