Zelenskyy Discussed F-16 Delivery Schedule with Belgian PM De Wever: First Aircraft This Year
President Zelenskyy discussed the F-16 delivery schedule with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever in Brussels. The first fighter jets are expected this year. Belgium will transfer seven F-16s, four of which are for spare parts.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday met in Brussels with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever to discuss in detail support for Ukraine's defense, including the schedule for F-16 fighter jet deliveries to Ukraine.
According to Zelenskyy, who posted on social media, Belgium is preparing a new significant aid package and a contribution to the PURL program. The President stated: «We also discussed the F-16 delivery schedule. The first deliveries will be this year. This kind of air defense assistance is currently most needed».
Earlier on Thursday, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken announced that Belgium had decided to transfer more fighter jets to the Armed Forces of Ukraine than previously promised. According to him, Belgium will transfer seven F-16s this year, four of which are for spare parts. Last year, the Belgian Prime Minister in Kyiv detailed plans for F-16s, but these timelines were not met. This April, the Norwegian Prime Minister assured that the first F-16s promised by his country for Ukraine would soon be ready to fly.