Belgium is deepening its defence ties with Ukraine by expanding cooperation in military production and providing crucial support for Ukraine’s air force. Belgian defence industry companies are in discussions to establish joint ventures in Ukraine, a move confirmed by Belgian Ambassador to Ukraine Luc Jacobs in an interview with Ukrinform.
Belgium has a strong defence industry, and representatives of leading Belgian companies are working to form partnerships with Ukrainian firms. Some agreements are already at an advanced stage, and the goal is to sustain long term cooperation beyond the war. The Ukrainian defence industry has proven to be a valuable partner, contributing significantly to joint projects.
FZ275 LGR missile with a semi-active homing head (GOH) by the Belgian company Thales Belgium. Photo: Thales Belgium
In November 2024, Belgium announced that the defence company Thales Belgium would assist Ukraine in missile production, focusing on counter drone technologies. Under a memorandum between Ukraine and Thales Belgium, the company will support the manufacturing of 70 mm FZ275 LGR missiles equipped with laser guided warheads. The Ukrainian defence sector has also had a longstanding partnership with the Belgian company Cockerill, which has contributed to the modernisation of Ukraine’s armoured vehicles with advanced combat modules.
Belgium is also playing a key role in strengthening Ukraine’s air force by transferring F 16 fighter jets. Ambassador Jacobs stated that due to delays in Belgium’s own F 35 aircraft deliveries, the country is now in a position to provide Ukraine with 30 F 16 jets, making Belgium the largest single donor of these aircraft to Ukraine. The Belgian government has already supplied F 16 aircraft for pilot training, along with essential spare parts and maintenance support.
An F-16AM fighter from the 1st squadron of the Belgian Air Component. Photo from open sources
Belgium’s donation of F 16 jets will take place in multiple phases. In 2025, aircraft will be transferred to Ukraine to be used for spare parts. From 2026 onwards, combat ready F 16s will be delivered, with a final deadline for all transfers set for 2028. Belgian authorities have confirmed that the process is moving faster than expected, ensuring that Ukraine receives critical military support ahead of schedule.
Belgium and Ukraine are also in discussions to localise the maintenance and training of Ukrainian F 16 pilots in Belgium. This initiative was confirmed following a meeting between Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov and Belgian officials in February 2025. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has expressed strong support for Ukraine’s defence efforts and reaffirmed Belgium’s commitment to ensuring long term security cooperation.
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Belgian Defence Companies in Ukraine | Joint production agreements being prepared |
| Thales Belgium Cooperation | Assisting in counter drone missile production |
| F 16 Transfer to Ukraine | 30 jets to be provided, making Belgium the largest donor |
| F 16 Training and Maintenance | Belgian support for Ukrainian pilots and aircraft maintenance |
| Timeline for F 16 Deliveries | Parts in 2025, combat ready aircraft from 2026, full transfer by 2028 |
| Belgian Defence Partnership | Longstanding cooperation with Ukrainian armoured vehicle modernisation |
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