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Belgium has agreed to transfer three F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of 2026 under an accelerated procedure, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on September 29.
“There is an important agreement with Belgium on the transfer of three F-16 fighter jets by the end of this year. We will work to receive these aircraft through an accelerated procedure,” Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy also said Ukraine had already received urgent deliveries of ammunition for its F-16 fleet from Belgium and other partner countries, including Spain.
He said additional aircraft would strengthen Ukraine’s ability to intercept Russian aerial targets and protect civilians as Russian attacks continue.
Belgium’s broader F-16 commitment
Belgium had previously announced plans to transfer seven F-16 aircraft to Ukraine in 2026, with three intended for combat use and four designated as spare aircraft, according to Ukraine’s presidential office.
The latest agreement specifies that three of the aircraft are to be transferred by the end of this year. Kyiv has been seeking additional Western aircraft, ammunition and air-defense capabilities as Russia continues its missile and drone campaign.
The delivery timeline and implementation of the agreement will depend on the accelerated transfer process, while Belgium and Ukraine work on the practical arrangements.
