Belgium has postponed its promised delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. The delay is due to Belgium awaiting its own shipment of F-35 aircraft from the United States. This could delay the transfer for several years.
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken revealed the postponement at an event in Washington. He stated that Belgium will deliver 30 working F-16s in the years to come, as soon as possible. This announcement represents a shift from earlier commitments.
The delay hinges on Belgium needing American-made F-35s to replace its aging F-16 fleet. Francken explained that Belgium requires operational readiness with its new aircraft before parting with the old. This situation highlights a dependence on American arms manufacturing.
Belgium's backtracking mirrors similar trends across NATO. Political changes, defense budget constraints, and procurement delays often disrupt well-publicized commitments. The delay raises questions about the West's long-term ability to sustain Ukraine militarily.
For Ukraine, the consequences could be severe. Delays in receiving promised aircraft not only sap morale but also force Ukraine to continue operating at a disadvantage. As the war drags on, Ukraine's dependence on timely Western aid is becoming more critical.
While symbolic gestures like spare parts donations and future financial packages are politically useful, they do little to change the immediate operational realities. Belgium insists its support for Ukraine is unwavering, but the timelines are slipping. Kiev is left waiting.
This article is based on our author's analysis of materials taken from the following resources: www.bbc.com, www.korrespondent and Reuters.