Belgium plans to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighters by the end of the year, local media reported. Last year, Belgian authorities expressed readiness to hand over all combat vehicles of this type to Kiev after receiving deliveries of the newer F-35s, BTA reports.
Recently, Belgian and Ukrainian authorities signed an agreement for the delivery of 30 F-16 fighters by 2028. One fighter has already been provided for training Ukrainian military pilots.
The new Belgian government, which took office a month ago, declared full continuity in its policy towards Ukraine. Defense Minister Theo Francken stressed that Belgium is ready to send peacekeeping forces to Ukraine and expressed his expectation of visiting Kiev soon together with Prime Minister Bart de Wever.