Belgium confirms 10 F-16 jets for Ukraine by end of 2026

Belgium has confirmed it will deliver 10 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of 2026, Prime Minister Bart De Wever announced after meeting President Volodymyr Zelensky at an EU summit in Brussels. De Wever cited delays in F-35 deliveries as the reason for the postponement, stating the jets are urgently needed to counter Russian drones and protect grain exports, energy infrastructure, and cities. He also discussed accelerating deliveries and supplying 20mm ammunition from Belgian firm FN Herstal. The transfer requires official approval from France due to French electronic warfare technology in the aircraft. Ukraine had previously expected the jets, with Belgian Defense Minister Theo Franken noting on October 5 that approval for three F-16s was nearing completion.