Belgium sets deadline for F-16 transfer to Ukraine pending F-35 delivery

Belgium plans to commence the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of 2024, contingent upon the timely receipt of more advanced F-35 aircraft from the United States.

Michel Hofmann, Belgium's Chief of General Staff made the statement in an interview with Le Soir newspaper, Caliber.Az reports.

"The delivery timeline hinges on two key factors: the availability of critical spare parts necessary to maintain F-16 operational readiness, and the schedule for receiving the F-35 aircraft," he explained, noting that "the first F-35s are expected to arrive in Belgium by summer 2025."

Hofmann highlighted Belgium's ongoing efforts to bolster Ukrainian capabilities with F-16s, including the deployment of instructors and technicians to Denmark for training purposes.

The transfer of Belgian F-16s to Kyiv is slated to coincide with the delivery of 40 F-35s ordered from the US in 2018, despite delays in their production and shipment.