Espreso. Global

Belgium refuses F-16 fighter jets supply to Ukraine: details

5 September, 2023 Tuesday
14:08

Belgium will not provide Ukraine with F-16 multi-role fighter jets because they are outdated and in poor condition. Such aircraft are dangerous to operate

client/title.list_title

Lieutenant Frédéric Goetynck shared the information with Euroactiv.

"It’s not that we don’t want to, but when our planes are retired, they’re worn out. These planes will already have flown so many hours that their structure is simply worn out. You can’t send planes to Ukraine that you wouldn’t use yourself," he said.

The Brussels Times clarifies that the more hours a fighter jet has flown, the more labor-intensive and expensive its maintenance is.

"In aviation, there's no room for error. Once an aircraft surpasses its certified flight hours, it's no longer deemed safe for operation," the media outlet said, citing experts.

Belgium also intends to purchase Sea Sparrow missiles from Germany for Ukraine.

F-16 fighter jets for Ukraine

On May 21, US President Joe Biden approved the training of Ukrainians on F-16s. Volodymyr Zelenskyy assured that Ukraine would not use these aircraft to strike at Russian territory. Defense Ministry adviser Yuriy Sak said that Ukraine hopes to receive the first modern American F-16 fighters in the fall of 2023.

In July, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says that the first F-16 fighter jets are likely to fly in Ukraine's skies by the end of March 2024.

On August 17, the United States approved the delivery of F-16 multi-role fighters to Ukraine.

At the same time, Denmark said it would supply Ukraine with 19 aircraft, provided they are not used on Russian territory. The first group of pilots has already begun training on F-16s in Denmark.

The Netherlands will provide Ukraine with 42 fighter jets. At the same time, Norway will supply Ukraine with F-16s, but the exact number is unknown.

Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2024, Tuesday
5 November
21:20
Exclusive
Voice of America correspondent: U.S. election sees unusually high voter turnout
21:10
G7, allies are working on joint response to DPRK troop deployment in Russia
20:56
Exclusive
Ukraine to receive Abrams tanks from Australia within months - Defense Express
20:40
Poland to spend $750 million to increase ammunition production
20:25
Russia stockpiling P-800 Oniks missiles - military expert
20:11
Russian troops execute six Ukrainian prisoners of war
19:56
Fourth group of Ukrainian operators completes Patriot air defense training in Germany
19:37
Exclusive
Europe 70% prepared for Trump’s potential return to power - Ukrainian analyst
19:20
75 combat engagements take place along frontline, Kurakhove sector is hottest spot — General Staff
18:58
Exclusive
Dnipropetrovsk region in critical condition, very little information about fortifications - local deputy
18:39
First clashes occur between Ukrainian army and DPRK military in Kursk region, Ukrainian Defense Minister confirms
18:21
Ukrainian forces destroy 102 Russian tank battalions since beginning of 2024
18:00
Russia trains DPRK military in Kursk region to use various drones
17:42
Over 500 Ukrainians from 30 countries apply to join Ukrainian Legion in Poland
17:20
Polish politician accuses Zelenskyy of trying to drag his state into war, Ukraine responds
17:10
Updated
Google Maps releases satellite images of Ukrainian military systems, claims they are outdated
16:57
OPINION
Russian propaganda against Ukrainians intensifies: what are the underlying reasons
16:48
Russia shells village in Kharkiv region, killing two people
16:36
Russia focuses on Donetsk region: UK intelligence analyzes frontline developments
16:15
Russian troops turn to electric scooters for mobility in Kharkiv region
15:50
Exclusive
Russian troops poised to launch major missile strikes as frost sets in — aviation expert
15:36
Forecasted U.S. vote outcomes: what are the likely Senate, House, and presidential results
15:17
Updated
Russia attacks Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia, killing 6 people, injuring 23
15:14
Review
North Korean troops to lead assault waves for Russia in Kursk region. Serhiy Zgurets' column
14:57
Russia allegedly conspired to place incendiary devices on aircraft heading to U.S.
14:32
North Korea launches missiles into East Sea hours before U.S. presidential election
14:15
EU probes scheme to re-label Russian oil in Turkey for European markets
13:21
Review
In life and death: The heroic story of Valkyrie and Berserk, fallen heroes of the Ukrainian frontline
12:56
Western officials urge Europe to brace for U.S. election outcomes, resist compromise with Russia
12:39
Exclusive
Ukrainian forces can hamper Russian advance near Kurakhove - military expert Zgurets
12:19
OPINION
U.S. elections: candidates ready to deny defeat
11:58
"Most active threat": U.S. warns of Russia's possible interference in election process
11:32
Pro-Trump blogger admits to posting fake claims about U.S. elections at Russia’s request
11:16
Exclusive
Russian forces prioritize Kupyansk sector offensive, seeking foothold in Kruhliakivka
10:56
Russia launches Soyuz-2.1 rocket with two Iranian satellites
10:37
Russia loses 1,260 soldiers, 29 artillery systems, 15 tanks in one day of war in Ukraine
10:16
Russia seizes Ukraine's Stepanivka, Donetsk region, advances near 4 more settlements — DeepState
09:56
Australia to donate 14 military boats to Ukraine
09:38
NATO may consider intercepting Russian missiles over Ukraine next week - Polish FM
2024, Monday
4 November
21:40
Over 80 million tons of cargo exported through Ukrainian sea corridor
More news