Belgium will provide Ukraine with three US-made F-16 fighter jets by the end of 2026, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on September 29.
“An important agreement”
Zelenskyy called it “an important agreement” and said Ukraine would “expedite the process of receiving these aircraft.” He thanked Prime Minister Bart De Wever and the Belgian government for their “decisive steps” in supporting Ukraine.
Ukraine has already received urgent shipments of F-16 ammunition from Belgium and other allies, including Spain.
Against drones and missiles
The announcement came as Russia intensified attacks on Kyiv. Ukraine uses its F-16s to shoot down Shahed-type drones and cruise missiles.
Fleet size
Ukraine received its first F-16s in July 2024. Defense Express reported that Ukraine had up to 39 F-16s as of June 2026, after combat losses, supplied by the Netherlands and Denmark. It projects Ukraine could have 96 to 129 F-16s, Mirage and Gripen jets combined by 2030.
Sources
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