Belgium commits to deliver three F-16 fighters to Ukraine by end-2026
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Belgium will send three U.S.-made F-16 jets to Ukraine by the end of 2026.
President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that Belgium will provide Ukraine with three U.S.-built F-16 fighter jets by the close of 2026, aiming to reinforce Kyiv's air defence amid heightened Russian attacks. He highlighted that Ukraine has already received urgent shipments of F-16 ammunition from Belgium and other Western partners, including Spain. The jets are vital for intercepting Shahed-type drones and cruise missiles and can also be employed in offensive strikes.
Zelensky praised Prime Minister Bart De Wever and the Belgian cabinet for their decisive action. According to Defense Express, Ukraine's current fleet—supplied earlier by the Netherlands and Denmark—stands at up to 39 aircraft after combat losses, and could grow to between 96 and 129 fighters of various types by 2030. Zelensky pledged to expedite the acquisition of the new jets.
Why it matters
The delivery strengthens Ukraine's ability to counter Russian air attacks and signals continued Western military support.
How this story developed
- Sep 15 EU defence build-up lags behind 2030 target as Russia hits Ukrainian digital hubs
- Sep 17 The European Commission will disburse €3.3 billion to Ukraine for missile and drone purchases, announced by Ursula von der Leyen following a call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- Sep 22 EU announced a €3.3 billion release for Ukrainian missile and drone purchases.
- Sep 24 During a gathering with Ukrainian-Americans, Zelensky confirmed an agreement to receive more Patriot missiles, a system vital for countering Russian ballistic attacks. He withheld the identity of the supplying nation and gave no timeline or quantity. The statement came amid his U.S. visit, where he also met President Donald Trump about Ukraine's defense needs. Separate records show the United States is prepared to approve ten German-origin interceptors worth $29.6 million, but delivery dates remain unclear. Overall, the announcement underscores Kyiv's urgent shortage of air-defense munitions as winter approaches.
- Sep 25 Trump communicated to Zelensky about licences for domestic Patriot missile production.
- Sep 25 Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Marija Zakharova called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a “bastardo senza gloria”, saying he has lost dignity and is dependent on prohibited substances.
- Sep 28 EU defence ministers will meet in Brussels to discuss the agency’s yearly review.
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