Belgium will be first on F-16 delivery to Ukraine in next few months.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Croo announced on April 18, 2024, that the first F-16 fighter jets, operated by trained Ukrainian pilots, will arrive in Ukraine by the end of spring. This development marks a significant step in international support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts in the region.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

 Belgian F16 from Solo display team (Picture source Belgian demo Team )

The announcement came during a press conference held on April 18, 2024, where PM de Croo outlined Belgium's commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense capabilities. "This initiative not only strengthens Ukraine's ability to defend its sovereignty but also signifies the solidarity shared by NATO members in these turbulent times," said de Croo.

The training program for Ukrainian pilots has been a collaborative effort involving several NATO countries, aimed at equipping them with the necessary skills to operate the advanced F-16 aircraft effectively. Details about the number of jets and the specific timeline for delivery were not fully disclosed, but the arrival of these fighter jets is eagerly anticipated as a boost to Ukraine's military resources.

Currently, Ukrainian pilots who were trained in England are in France at the Cazaux Air Base to train for aerial combat and cannon firing.

This announcement by the Belgian Prime Minister follows and corrects the announcement of April 18, 2024, by Belgium and Norway regarding the delivery of F-16s by a coalition from July to August 2024. Belgium has committed to delivering some from 2025.

At the same time, according to Belgian Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder, who announced on March 19 during her visit to Denmark, Belgium deployed 50 Belgian military personnel and two F-16s to train Ukrainian pilots in the second half of 2024. This initiative is part of Belgium’s commitment to the F-16 coalition, which aims to equip Ukraine with a fleet of fighter jets to ensure its territorial integrity and airspace protection. The Belgian detachment, along with two F-16s, will remain in Denmark for eight weeks, focusing on training Ukrainian pilots, technicians, and mission planners.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a single-engine, multirole fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force. Renowned for its versatility, the F-16 has been adopted by the air forces of over 25 nations thanks to its proven track record in air superiority, ground attack, and electronic warfare capabilities. Characterized by its frameless bubble canopy for better visibility, side-mounted control stick to ease control while maneuvering, and its use of relaxed static stability/fly-by-wire Flight Control System to increase its agility, the F-16 continues to be an integral part of many nations' defensive arsenals. Continuously upgraded over the decades, Ukraine sees it as a formidable aircraft in both dogfighting and precision strike scenarios.

Ukraine seeks F-16 fighter jets to counter Russia’s air superiority at the frontline, where Russian aircraft maintain an edge with longer-range capabilities despite Ukraine’s dense air defenses. The United States approved the transfer of F-16s from Denmark and the Netherlands last August, pending completion of pilot training. Training of Ukrainian pilots and ground personnel is ongoing, and Ukraine has yet to operate any F-16s.

Defense News April 2024