F-16 Program, drone countermeasures, and defense industry development: Ukraine and Belgium strengthen defense cooperation

During a working visit to Brussels, Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Rustem Umerov, held an important meeting with Belgium’s Minister of Defence, Theo Francken.

“I was glad to meet here — in the heart of European politics and security. I thanked my colleague for Belgium’s unwavering support for Ukraine — both political and military. The recent visit of the Belgian delegation to Kyiv reaffirmed our strong cooperation,” Rustem Umerov said.

The primary focus of the meeting was enhancing defense industry collaboration. Discussions focused on the possibility of implementing joint projects in the defense industry, both in Belgium and Ukraine. The Ukrainian side proposed specific areas of cooperation and expressed its readiness to create a partnership-friendly environment.

The parties dedicated particular attention to technologies aimed at countering enemy drones, a crucial priority due to the widespread deployment of russian drones against civilians.