From an operational point of view, Belgium cannot supply F-16 fighters to Ukraine, the country’s Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder told Belgian media.
Dedonder said this after the Federal Prime Minister Alexander De Cro announced on Thursday that his government would consider transferring military equipment to Ukraine. According to the prime minister, all options should be considered, and Kyiv should use the planes only for training and not for combat missions.
“Belgium will not be able to send F-16s because we also need our aircraft for training and to protect the airspace of the Benelux and Baltic countries,” the minister said.
Dedonder emphasized that Belgium is primarily “responsible for the safety of its own population, as well as for the Baltic countries, which do not have combat aircraft, but are NATO member states and directly feel the Russian threat.”
“In principle, I have no problems with the supply of F-16s to Ukraine, but my duty as Minister of Defense is to bear responsibility. I cannot weaken our defenses, the safety of our fellow citizens, or our operational capabilities. If some people want to take risks, it is their responsibility,” she said.
Dedonder added that the Belgian F-16 fighters will gradually be replaced by the more modern F-35s, but even then the Belgian Air Force will also need older aircraft and their components.
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2023-09-22 13:46:00
