Belgium to Provide Ukraine with 30 F-16 Fighters by 2028, Says Foreign Minister
On May 28, Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib announced that Belgium will be providing Ukraine with 30 F-16 fighter jets by 2028, according to RTL news. This move is seen as a significant step in strengthening the military capabilities of Ukraine, which has been facing ongoing conflict with Russia.
The decision to provide Ukraine with F-16s was made during a meeting between Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The two leaders discussed the current political and security situation in Ukraine and agreed on the need for increased military support.
Belgium, a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), has been a strong supporter of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This latest move to provide F-16s to Ukraine is a testament to Belgium’s commitment to standing by its allies and supporting them in times of need.
The F-16 fighter jets are considered to be one of the most advanced and versatile aircraft in the world. They are known for their superior maneuverability, advanced avionics, and powerful weapons systems. With these F-16s, Ukraine will be able to better defend its airspace and deter any potential threats from its adversaries.
The delivery of the F-16s is expected to begin in 2023 and will continue until 2028. This will give Ukraine enough time to train its pilots and ground crew on the operation and maintenance of the aircraft. The F-16s will also be equipped with the latest technology and weapons systems to ensure Ukraine’s military capabilities are on par with its neighbors.
The decision to provide F-16s to Ukraine has been welcomed by the Ukrainian government and people. President Zelensky expressed his gratitude to Belgium for its support and said that this move will greatly enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities. He also emphasized the importance of international cooperation in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Belgium’s decision to provide F-16s to Ukraine has also been praised by other NATO allies. This move is seen as a strong message to Russia that any aggression towards Ukraine will not be tolerated. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of NATO’s collective defense and the alliance’s commitment to protecting its members.
In addition to providing F-16s, Belgium has also been providing other forms of support to Ukraine, including training and military equipment. This partnership between the two countries is a testament to the strong bilateral relations and shared values between Belgium and Ukraine.
In conclusion, Belgium’s decision to provide Ukraine with 30 F-16 fighter jets is a significant step in strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities and deterring any potential threats. This move also demonstrates the strong commitment of Belgium and other NATO allies to supporting Ukraine and maintaining peace and stability in the region. With the delivery of these F-16s, Ukraine will be better equipped to defend its sovereignty and protect its people.
