Belgium will not transfer F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters to Ukraine, despite the impending delivery of fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II aircraft

By: Maksim Panasovskiy | 05.09.2023, 15:52
Belgium will not transfer F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters to Ukraine, despite the impending delivery of fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II aircraft

The Netherlands is ready to give Ukraine almost all of its F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters in view of receiving the F-35 Lighting II. Belgium, on the other hand, has no plans to do so.

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Lieutenant General Frédéric Goetynck, the head of the Belgian Army's logistics department, commented on the possibility of supplying fourth-generation fighters. According to him, Belgium will not be able to transfer the aircraft to Ukraine even if it receives the F-35.

Earlier, Belgium confirmed that it was ready to train pilots of the Ukrainian Air Force. However, it is out of the question to supply fighter jets because they are worn out. Belgian F-16 Fighting Falcon will be retired. They have flown a lot of hours during their service life and the design has worn out.

Frederik Goetink stated that it is impossible to send aircraft to Ukraine that Belgium itself will no longer use. He compared the transfer of worn-out F-16 Fighting Falcon to the supply of expired medicines to African countries.

Source: Standaard