Belgium lines up a “drone deal” to tap Ukraine’s war-tested know-how
Brussels has pledged 30 F-16s and over €1 billion in aid a year. A joint drone pact is next, with both sides eyeing a signing date.
After discussing air power and shielding Ukraine from Russian attacks during a meeting in Kyiv on August 18, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot are finalizing a bilateral agreement. Known as the Drone Deal, the pact aims to deepen cooperation on unmanned systems, with both nations weighing potential signing dates.
Ukraine is prepared to share its expertise in drones with partners, a valuable asset that has been leveraged to secure weapons and financial support from Western allies. The agreement comes as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen Ukraine's combat aviation and defend its airspace. Belgium has pledged 30 F-16 fighter jets, but deliveries are contingent upon Belgium's own transition to newer aircraft.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Belgium's support, totaling over $1.28 billion this year, and praised the country's commitment to Ukraine's integration into the European Union. Belgium's annual defense aid to Ukraine since 2025 has been at least $1.16 billion, as outlined in a 2024 security pact. Belgian firms already service the F-16s flown by Ukraine, with Ukrainian forces downing 12,954 Russian targets using drones.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
