Belgium plans to transfer its entire fleet of 53 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by 2029, according to Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken. The schedule, reported by Le Vif and confirmed by elements from the Defense Ministry, begins with seven aircraft in 2026, followed by five in 2027, 14 in 2028, and 27 in 2029.
Deliveries hinge on the arrival of U.S. F-35 jets to replace Belgiums aging F-16s. Of the initial seven F-16s, four will arrive in non-combat-ready condition for use as training simulators. The timeline marks the first public disclosure of the 53-jet total, exceeding the previously announced figure of 30.
Despite earlier pledges, Belgium has yet to deliver any F-16s to Ukraine, with delays attributed to postponed F-35 arrivals. As of 2025, Belgium operated 42 F-16AM and eight F-16BM variants. Not all transferred jets will be combat-ready; some are expected to serve as spare parts donors.
The transfers align with NATO efforts to bolster Ukraines air capabilities amid ongoing conflict needs.