Belgian Minister of Defence Theo Francken spoke at NATO Headquarters in Brussels on 18 June 2026, ahead of the meeting of NATO Ministers of Defence, outlining Belgium’s role in strengthening NATO, supporting Ukraine and protecting global navigation.

Francken said Belgium is working to host a production site for AMRAAM missiles, as NATO Allies push to increase defence industrial output before the Ankara Summit.

On the Strait of Hormuz, he said Belgium has a minesweeper already deployed in the Mediterranean under a NATO mission and ready to be moved toward the Gulf if needed. He said Belgium would also send a staff officer to the United Kingdom to help plan the operation, stressing that demining the strait and restoring freedom of navigation is crucial for the world economy and Gulf states.

On Ukraine, Francken announced that Belgium will deliver seven F‑16s this year: four for spare parts and three to operate in Ukrainian skies against Russian aggression, Shahed drones, cruise missiles and other threats. He also said he would propose sending all Belgian F‑16s to Ukraine in the coming years, depending on the arrival of Belgium’s F‑35s.

Reuters also reported that Belgium is contributing more to NATO’s crisis forces as Allies try to fill gaps left by reduced US commitments, including with F‑16 fighter jets and MQ‑9B SkyGuardian drones.

The message from Brussels was clear: Belgium is stepping up — for NATO, for Ukraine, and for freedom of navigation.

#TheoFrancken #Belgium #NATO #Ukraine #F16 #Hormuz #AMRAAM #Brussels #DefenceMinisters #Russia #Iran #FreedomOfNavigation #EuropeanSecurity #NATOAlliance #StandWithUkraine