Belgium has postponed the delivery of the first F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.

Belgium has postponed the transfer of the first of 30 promised F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine until the end of 2025.

The delay is due to Belgium's postponed delivery of F-35 aircraft from the United States, which are intended to replace the F-16s provided to Ukraine, explained the head of the Belgian General Staff, Air Force General Frédéric Vancina, in an interview with Soir, as reported by moscowtimes.ru.

“We hope to start supplying the first aircraft to Ukraine by the end of this year,” he stated.

Instead of 2023, the United States will only begin supplying Belgium with its new F-35s by the end of 2025. They are expected to reach full operational capability by 2027, Vancina noted.

The general believes that the delay in supplying Ukraine is not a significant issue, as the extra time can be used “for training pilots and technicians,” which are currently in short supply.

According to Vancina, another issue is the lack of parts for the F-16s designated for Ukraine. “We requested additional spare parts from Lockheed, but were turned down. They are no longer being produced,” he mentioned.

Belgium participated in the “coalition” to transfer F-16s to Ukraine in 2023, alongside the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway. Initially, the kingdom committed only to training and logistical support. However, it ultimately decided to provide Ukraine with 30 fighter jets by 2028.

However, in December 2024, Belgium delayed the delivery of the first batch of F-16s to Ukraine. As reported by the kingdom's Minister of Defense, Ludivine Dedonder, the main reasons for the delay were a shortage of spare parts and a lack of trained pilots.

Background. It is worth noting that France delivered the first Mirage 2000 fighters to Ukraine in early February.

“Ukrainian pilots, who underwent months of training in France, will now help defend the skies over Ukraine,” said French Minister of Defense Sébastien Lecornu.