Belgium will not be able to supply Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets by the end of 2024 due to the unpreparedness of Ukrainian pilots and lack of spare parts. This was reported by the Soir newspaper with reference to the country’s Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder.
“The first delivery of F-16 fighter-bombers will not take place this year as previously announced,” the newspaper said.
Ludivine Dedonder said that the reason for the delay was that Ukrainian pilots were unprepared to fly these aircraft, as well as the lack of necessary spare parts.
The minister’s statement was made during a recent visit to Poland.
In addition, Soir noted that the delay is also due to the lag in the delivery of new F-35 fighters from the United States, which should replace the outdated F-16 in the Belgian Air Force.
Earlier, the deputy head of the Ukrainian presidential office, Igor Zhovkva, said that Belgium would supply Kiev with 30 F-16 fighter jets by 2028.
