Belgium will not transfer fourth-generation F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, but has agreed to provide the aircraft for pilot training

F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets of the Belgian Air Force will take part in the training programme for Ukrainian pilots. This was announced by Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder.

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Belgium will not be able to provide Ukraine with F-16s, despite the impending delivery of fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters. The reason is the heavy wear and tear of the aircraft. Lieutenant General Frédéric Goetynck, head of the Belgian Army's material support department, said this about a fortnight ago.

Nevertheless, Ukrainian pilots will be able to train on the Belgian Air Force's F-16 Fighting Falcon. Before that, four mission planners and six instructors will arrive in Brussels.

The training of Ukrainian Air Force pilots will take place at the Royal Danish Air Force's Skrydstrup base. The Belgian Ministry of Defence will soon send its military personnel there. Two F-16B training aircraft will arrive in the Scandinavian country in 2024.

Source: Le Soir