Ukraine and Belgium intensify cooperation in aviation and air defense

During a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein format), Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov met with Belgium's Minister of Defence Theo Francken. 

Strengthening the Ukrainian Air Force was the key topic of the talks. The discussions covered the next steps for the F-16 program, especially the possibility of establishing aircraft maintenance capabilities within Ukraine. Specific attention was given to the training of Ukrainian pilots and technical personnel.

Officials from the defense ministries of both nations also prioritized strengthening air defense systems. Among the top priorities:

• strengthening the defense of Ukrainian airspace;
• delivery of air defense systems and localization of their production in Ukraine;
• new joint defense projects and their financing;

“I thank Belgium and Theo Francken personally for their active participation in Capability Coalitions and for strengthening our defense cooperation. He faces significant challenges, and I am thankful for his unwavering commitment to continue supporting Ukraine and our Armed Forces,” Rustem Umerov emphasized.