Belgium will transfer three F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of the year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday, as Kyiv seeks to strengthen its air defenses amid intensified Russian attacks.

Zelensky said Ukraine would work to accelerate the delivery of the aircraft and had already received urgent shipments of F-16 ammunition from Belgium, Spain and other allies.

“There is an important agreement with Belgium on the transfer of three F-16 fighter jets by the end of this year,” Zelensky said in a post on X. “We will work to receive these aircraft through an accelerated procedure.”

He thanked Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and his government for their support, saying Ukraine needed additional capabilities to intercept aerial targets as Russia stepped up its attacks.

The announcement comes as Ukraine faces increasing pressure on its air-defense network from Russian ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones, including newer jet-powered drones that are faster and fly at higher altitudes than conventional Shahed-type drones.

Zelensky said Ukraine had also recently received a NASAMS air-defense system developed jointly by the United States and Norway. He said Kyiv was continuing discussions to secure a reliable supply of missiles for its Patriot systems, which are particularly important for intercepting ballistic missiles.

He added that Ukrainian forces were testing ways to improve their ability to intercept Russian jet-powered drones. According to Zelensky, Russia launched more than 100 drones on Tuesday, including 29 jet-powered models, of which 18 were intercepted.

Belgium has pledged to transfer its F-16 fleet to Ukraine as it replaces the aircraft with U.S.-made F-35 fighters.

A Belgian government timetable reported in June envisaged the transfer of seven F-16 airframes in 2026, including three aircraft capable of carrying out missions and four intended for training and spare parts. Further deliveries were planned for subsequent years, although the schedule remains dependent on Belgium's operational requirements and the arrival of replacement F-35s.

Belgium and Ukraine had previously agreed on a longer-term transfer of Belgian F-16s, with an earlier plan calling for as many as 30 aircraft to be delivered by 2028. Belgium has since indicated that its entire F-16 fleet could eventually be made available to Ukraine as the F-35s enter service.

Ukraine received its first F-16s in 2024 after Denmark, the Netherlands and other allies formed an international coalition to provide and train Ukrainian personnel on the aircraft.

The jets have been used primarily to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses, including intercepting Russian drones and missiles. They can also conduct air-to-ground missions, although their deployment is constrained by the threat posed by Russian air-defense systems.

Ukraine's F-16 fleet has suffered combat losses, while deliveries from European allies have continued. Defense Express, a Ukrainian defense analysis outlet, estimated that Ukraine had up to 39 F-16s in its inventory as of June, after accounting for losses.

The latest Belgian commitment comes as Kyiv seeks to expand its fleet while also pursuing additional Western fighter aircraft, including French Mirage 2000s. Ukrainian officials have said that maintaining a sufficient supply of aircraft, weapons and spare parts is essential to sustaining the country's air-defense capabilities.

The delivery of the three Belgian F-16s is expected to add to Ukraine's operational fleet before the end of 2026, although the precise delivery dates have not been announced. (ILKHA)