Belgium's 10 F-16s Lift Ukraine's Promised Fleet to About 100 Jets
With Belgium's ten F-16 fighters, the number of jets promised to Ukraine reaches about 100. Fewer than 40 are flying, as Russia's jet-powered drones put heavy strain on them.
Ten F-16 fighter jets from Belgium bring the number of such aircraft promised to Ukraine to about 100. The figure matters because Ukraine's air force is fighting Russia with limited resources: fewer than 40 of these jets are actually flying.
Strain from jet drones
The source points to Russia's jet-powered drones as a key reason. Countering them wears the aircraft down, which is why the number of F-16s in the air is far lower than the total promised.
Deliveries through 2029
The remaining promised jets will arrive in batches through 2029. In the meantime, every sortie against Russia's jet drones brings the aircraft already in Ukraine closer to the point where they will need long inspections abroad.
