Visiting Brussels, Ukrainian MPs urged Belgian authorities to deliver the first F-16 fighter jets promised by the De Croo government. These aircraft are considered crucial to strengthening Ukraine’s air defense against the Russian invasion.
On Tuesday, a Ukrainian parliamentary delegation led by Oleksander Kornienko pleaded for an acceleration of the delivery of F-16s that Belgium has committed to providing by 2028. “We ask you to expedite this delivery. We do not have the luxury of time to strengthen our air defense”said the Ukrainian MP.
Last May, during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Brussels, a security agreement was signed between the two countries. This agreement provides for the delivery of 30 F-16s that Belgium will gradually withdraw from its fleet to replace them with F-35s. A first delivery, planned before the end of 2024, was to mark a key milestone.
However, Yehor Cherniev, head of the Ukrainian delegation to NATO, expressed his impatience: “Your Prime Minister has promised us that some F-16s could be delivered before the end of 2024. It would be great if you could help us get them quickly.”
Delays and technical obstacles
Despite these expectations, Belgian Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder indicated in mid-December that the delivery of the first F-16s could not meet this schedule. Several reasons explain this delay, starting with the need for Belgium to maintain its air capacity until the arrival of the first F-35s, which are themselves behind schedule.
The lack of spare parts for the F-16s still in service and the insufficient number of Ukrainian pilots trained in their use also complicate the situation. Christophe Lacroix (PS) recalled that “we still need the F-16s. We have been waiting for the first F-35s for almost ten years.”
-Questions about deadlines
Within the government coalition, voices are wondering about the causes of these delays. Luc Frank (Les Engagés) asked for clarification on the deadlines, reflecting concerns about Belgium’s ability to honor its commitments to Ukraine.
Despite these obstacles, Ukrainian MPs still hope that Belgium will keep its promises quickly, with the fighter planes seen as a decisive aid in their fight against the Russian invasion.
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