Belgium postpones delivery of F-16s to Ukraine until 2026 – Prime Minister De Wever
Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever said that the start of the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine has been postponed until 2026.
The statement was made before a meeting with other European Union leaders in Brussels, Censor.NET reports citing European Pravda.
According to him, the delay in the start of deliveries is due to the fact that Belgium is waiting to receive new F-35 fighters, which are to replace the current F-16 fleet.
De Wever did not provide any other details about the expected arrival of the F-35 fighters.
F-16 fighter jets are intended for combat use in Ukraine, but the revised delivery schedule means that they will not be put into service until 2026.
Earlier, the media reported that Belgium has postponed the delivery of 30 F-16s to Ukraine until at least the end of 2025, as the United States has delayed the delivery of F-35s to replace its air fleet.
Belgium originally planned to deliver the F-16s in 2025. However, it later announced its desire to speed up the process and send the planes by the end of 2024. Nevertheless, the plan was not implemented.
