Ukraine will receive additional F-16s from Belgium, to replace which the first fifth-generation F-35 fighters have already begun to arrive in the country. This is reported by Defense Express.
The brand new F-35s, which Belgium has been waiting for for seven years, have already arrived at Floren Air Base, where they will be deployed to Squadron 1. They should be ready for rapid response operations by 2027.
At the same time, Belgium will keep its F-16s until 2028, when they will be completely replaced by fifth-generation fighters.
The old fighters will be gradually withdrawn from the country's air force, after which they will be sent to Ukraine.
The order for Belgium's F-35s is being fulfilled by the American Lockheed Martin. According to the initial agreements, the first fighters were supposed to arrive in 2023, but they were ready in 2024 and were used for pilot training in the United States.
The first F-35, intended specifically for immediate delivery to Belgium, was released from the factory only in early June of this year with the number FL009. The first batch transferred to the Belgians consists of four aircraft.
The publication suggests that this will allow Ukraine to send the first Belgian F-16s in 2026. This will strengthen the Ukrainian air fleet and provide the defenders with additional sorties.
In total, Belgium has ordered 34 F-35As — the contract was signed seven years ago, in October 2018. Recently, the country decided that this would not be enough and plans to order an additional 11 units.
