Belgium has committed to delivering 30 US-manufactured F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine under the condition that they will not be used within Russian airspace. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo announced this decision during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasizing that the first batch of aircraft is expected to be sent before the end of 2024. “The details of this agreement are explicit. The F-16s are intended for use by the Ukrainian Defense Forces within Ukraine’s borders,” De Croo stated.
President Zelenskyy has consistently highlighted the need for enhanced air defenses to counter Russian aggression and to rebuild Ukraine’s air force, which has been significantly weakened over the past two years. The delivery of these 30 F-16s is part of a broader $1 billion aid package from Belgium, which will bring the total number of pledged F-16s to Ukraine to approximately 85. This figure is significant as Ukraine anticipates losing several jets in what is considered one of the most challenging combat environments for these aircraft in recent history. Equipping Ukraine with F-16s armed with long-range missiles could significantly bolster its offensive capabilities, offering a strategic advantage in countering Russian advances.
“Our objective is to deploy the first F-16 in combat this year to strengthen our positions,” Zelenskyy remarked.
Previously, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway have also pledged numerous F-16s to support Ukraine. Concurrently, the US Air Force is training Ukrainian pilots to operate these advanced jets.
While Ukraine could technically launch strikes into Russia from its own territory using the F-16s, the agreement restricts deeper incursions to avoid the geopolitical ramifications of US-made jets flying over Russian land. This restriction is consistent with other limitations imposed by the US on the use of supplied military equipment. Meanwhile, as Ukraine waits for the gradual arrival of international military aid, Russia has initiated its summer offensive.
Ukraine’s current air-defense limitations have allowed Russia to execute continuous long-range strikes beyond Ukrainian front lines. Experts from the Institute for the Study of War, a think tank based in Washington, DC, suggest that Russia may have commenced its offensive prematurely and lacks the necessary personnel on the front lines to effectively encircle or capture strategic locations like Kharkiv City.
Despite the shortage of Russian soldiers, Ukraine continues to face its own challenges in replenishing troops and resources, making the timely arrival of these F-16s and other military support crucial for sustaining its defense efforts.
Current Fighter Jets in the Ukrainian Air Force
| Fighter Jet Model | Description |
|---|---|
| MiG-29 | A versatile twin-engine multirole fighter jet. |
| Su-27 | Air superiority fighter known for its agility. |
| Su-25 | Close-air support and ground-attack aircraft. |
| Su-24 | Long-range strike and attack aircraft. |
| Su-30 | Multirole fighter with advanced avionics. |
| Su-35 | Advanced multirole fighter with stealth features. |
These aircraft comprise the primary combat fleet of the Ukrainian Air Force, each serving specific roles ranging from air superiority and ground attack to advanced multirole missions.
