Impending Arrival of F-35A Jets in Belgium
MILAN — Belgium is poised to receive its first F-35A fighter jet within the next few months, marking a significant update in its military capabilities. This delivery is part of a broader agreement with Lockheed Martin for a total of 34 jets.
In 2018, Belgium decided to procure these advanced American-manufactured jets, finalizing a deal worth €3.6 billion (approximately $4.1 billion). This agreement entails the production of more than two dozen jets on American soil.
Lockheed Martin Europe recently announced via a post on the social media platform X that the inaugural F-35 destined for Belgium has already come off the production line and is set for delivery this fall.
The commencement of these deliveries was originally scheduled for late 2023. However, complications in the Joint Strike Fighter program production have led to unexpected delays.
In a February interview with the Belgian newspaper Le Soir, Gen. Frederik Vansina, Chief of Staff of the Belgian Air Force, mentioned that these delays had also impacted the planned transfer of 30 retired F-16s to Ukraine.
The Belgian Air Force intends to replace its fleet of F-16s, which have been in service for over three decades, with the new F-35s by late 2028. This transition will support the delivery of the older jets to Ukraine. Currently, Belgium has a fleet of more than 50 F-16 jets.
Recent reports from De Morgen, another Belgian newspaper, suggest that Belgium is considering the acquisition of an additional 21 F-35 jets. If this expansion occurs, it would increase the total F-35 fleet in Belgium to 55 aircraft.
The Belgian Ministry of Defense has not made any comments regarding these reports.
Last month, Theo Francken, the Belgian Minister of Defense and Foreign Trade, indicated that any further purchases of the F-35A could potentially be manufactured in Europe, specifically at the Final Assembly and Checkout (FACO) facility located in Cameri, Italy.
Similar Posts:
- Lockheed Shatters Records: Delivers 191 F-35s, Clears TR-3 Backlog!
- Singapore Set to Receive Its First F-35 Fighters: A Milestone Arrival Expected This Year
- Belgium Alarmed by Suspected Espionage: Drone Spotted Near Key Nuclear Base
- Belgium Boosts Defense: Billions Spent on F-35 Jets and Anti-Air Systems
- Swiss Audit 2022 F-35 Contract: Surprising Costs Could Reduce Purchase!
Jamal Peterson reports on defense, aerospace, and tech policy. With a military background and a strategic mind, he dissects complex subjects with clarity, offering readers sharp, reliable insights.
