De Croo had already announced last year that Belgium would send F-16s to Ukraine in 2025 — without saying how many.
Crucially, he also said at the time that the main condition would be whether the next government also agrees to do so, as Belgium is headed toward an election in June.
"These F-16 jets will be provided to Ukraine as soon as possible.
Our aim is to be able to provide first aircraft before the end of this year, 2024," De Croo said at a press conference with Zelenskyy.
“We will do everything in our capacity to deliver some planes already this year.”.
F-16 jets have been a top political priority for Zelenskyy, as the modern combat aircraft is seen as a key to further air defense against Russia.
Zelenskyy thanked De Croo for the timely military support, highlighting again the need to use modern weaponry as Putin's troops press on. »