Belgium is planning to transfer up to 53 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of 2029 under an updated delivery schedule tied to the introduction of Lockheed Martin F-35A fighters into the Belgian Air Force.
According to Belgian media reports citing the country’s Ministry of Defense, Ukraine could receive seven F-16s in 2026, followed by five aircraft in 2027, 14 in 2028 and 27 in 2029.
The figure marks the first time Belgium’s total planned transfer has reportedly reached 53 aircraft. Previous official announcements had referred to 30 F-16s.
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The delivery timeline remains subject to change depending on Belgian Air Force operational requirements and NATO commitments.
Four of the aircraft expected to be transferred this year have already been withdrawn from operational service and are currently being used to train Ukrainian technicians.
Belgium has also participated in pilot training efforts for Ukraine. In March 2024, the country sent two F-16BM two-seat trainer aircraft to Denmark for Ukrainian pilot instruction, while Belgian instructors continue training crews at Romania’s Fetesti air base.
The transfer process has been slowed by delays involving Belgium’s replacement fleet of F-35A fighters.
Although Brussels signed a contract for 34 F-35As in 2018 and originally expected the first aircraft in 2023, only four jets had arrived at Florennes Air Base by October 2025.
More F-35A
Belgium is also studying the acquisition of 11 additional F-35As beyond the original order. Reports indicate the country wants the aircraft assembled at the FACO final assembly line in Cameri, Italy, a condition that could further affect delivery timelines.
The Belgian Air Force once operated around 160 F-16s acquired under the multinational European NATO procurement program launched in the late 1970s.
Most of the aircraft were assembled locally by Belgian aerospace company SABCA under license from General Dynamics.
Over the years, Belgium progressively reduced and modernized the fleet, upgrading avionics, weapons systems and ground attack capabilities to extend operational life.
As of 2025, the Belgian Air Force reportedly still operated about 50 F-16AM/BM aircraft.
Not all aircraft expected to be transferred to Ukraine are likely to remain operational. Some airframes may instead be used as sources of spare parts and maintenance support.
In February 2026, the U.S. Department of Defense awarded Belgian company Sabena Aerospace Engineering a contract worth about $235 million to support maintenance and logistics for Ukrainian F-16 operations.
