Belgium to transfer three F-16s to Ukraine this year, Zelenskiy says

Kingdom of Belgium will deliver three F-16 fighter aircraft to Ukraine later this year to bolster its defense against Russian aggression, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Tuesday. The deal, confirmed on X, is part of an urgent process aimed at receiving the jets by year-end.

Ukraine has previously received emergency shipments of ammunition for F-16s from Belgium, Spain, and other nations. In a recent night-time broadcast, Zelenskiy highlighted the arrival of a NASAMS air defense system, a joint US-Norwegian development, and praised US and Norwegian assistance. He also thanked the US for supporting the production of missiles for the Patriot air defense system, essential for countering Russian ballistic missiles.

Efforts are ongoing to supply Ukrainian interceptors with missiles, crucial for targeting Russian drone threats. Of the over 100 drones spotted over Ukraine on Tuesday, 29 were jet-powered, 18 of which were neutralized. Zelenskiy assured his audience that continuous tests are underway to enhance the effectiveness of Ukrainian interceptors against these high-altitude, high-speed drones.