ATHENS 

Belgium announced on Tuesday that it will provide Ukraine with 30 F-16 fighter jets by 2028, along with at least €977 million ($1.062 billion) in military aid this year.

“By signing this agreement, Belgium is strengthening its cooperation with Ukraine. A strong commitment to the security of Ukraine and Europe,” Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib said in a statement on X.

“We are contributing to the reconstruction and are providing humanitarian and military support, with the delivery of 30 F16s by 2028,” she added.

In a separate statement, Ukraine announced the signing of a bilateral security and long-term support agreement with Belgium by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday in Brussels.

“The document includes at least €977 million ($1.062 billion) in Belgian military aid to Ukraine this year, as well as Belgium's commitment to providing our country with support over the course of the agreement's ten-year term,” Zelenskyy said on X following the signing.

According to him, the agreement guarantees Belgium's security assistance in the form of modern armored vehicles, equipment for Ukraine's air force and air defense forces, naval security, mine clearance, participation in the artillery ammunition coalition, and military training.

Thanking Belgium Prime Minister Alexander De Croo for support to Ukraine, Zelenskky said, “Ukraine and Belgium will also deepen their cooperation in intelligence, cyber security, and countering disinformation. Belgium also expresses support for Ukraine's future EU and NATO membership.”