“Theo Franken emphasizes that the F-35 deployment process is a “very important phase” for the Belgian Air Force and is directly related to the transfer of aircraft to Ukraine”, — write: www.radiosvoboda.org
“We continue to receive deliveries on schedule: the first three F-35s (not four) have already arrived. Now they have to become operational – it will take, I think, a year or a year and a half. When we get the operational capability, we can transfer our F-16s to Ukraine,” Franken said.
He emphasized that the F-35 deployment process is a “very important phase” for the Belgian Air Force and is directly related to the transfer of aircraft to Ukraine.
“This is a very important phase, I always explain it to Ukrainians. As soon as we can – we will pass it on. But do not forget that our country has DCA (Defensive Counter Air) capabilities and plays an important role in NATO’s nuclear deterrence policy. This is the cornerstone of our doctrine,” the minister emphasized.
Belgium is part of the coalition of countries that are preparing the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Earlier, Defense Minister Theo Franken said that Brussels “will try to do it even earlier than the planned deadline”, although he did not name the exact date.
According to the Belgian government, the transfer of the aircraft is linked to the delivery schedule of the new F-35s, which is tentatively expected in 2026.
In March, the Belgian government reported delays in the delivery of F-16s to Ukraine due to a delay in the delivery of new F-35s from the United States to Belgium.