Belgium to accelerate efforts to deliver F-16 jets to Ukraine in 2024
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The Belgian government has decided to accelerate the supply of its own F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and make it happen by the end of 2024, without waiting for the formation of a new cabinet.
Source: statements by Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder, European Pravda with reference to VRT
Details: De Croo referred to the decision to supply F-16 jets as a "big step for Ukraine's defence", noting that Belgium had already participated in the fighter jet coalition and has provided repairs to the supplied aircraft and has trained Ukrainian pilots.
Quote: "But now our country is joining the limited group of countries that will actually supply aircraft to Ukraine," he stressed.
The Belgian Defence Minister did not name a specific timeframe for the supply of F-16 jets to Ukraine, but stressed that it will happen as soon as possible.
"We will do our best to provide the aircraft by the end of the year. I want to make it clear that our own security will not be compromised," Dedonder emphasised.
Background:
Belgium is one of 13 countries participating in a coalition to provide Ukraine with fighter jets. It had previously planned to send F-16 jets to Ukraine starting from 2025, which it is gradually replacing with more modern F-35 jets.
According to media reports, the first F-16 fighter jets may appear in Ukrainian skies around June 2024.
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