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First Belgian Flight of F-35A Most Advanced Fighter Jet in the World.
The first Belgian flight of the F-35A, a fifth-generation fighter jet, took place on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. This event marks a pivotal moment in the modernization of the Belgian Air and Space Component, as well as in the framework of Belgium’s commitment to the F-35 program. This historic milestone highlights the strategic importance of the aircraft for Belgium and its allies in addressing both current and future threats.
The first Belgian flight of the F-35A, a fifth-generation fighter jet, took place on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. (Picture source: Belgian MoD)
The F-35 is one of the most advanced combat aircraft in the world, designed to ensure air superiority, protect allied forces, and neutralize enemy threats. With its stealth capabilities, it becomes nearly invisible to enemy radars, thereby enhancing its operational effectiveness.
The F-35 plays a crucial role in achieving air superiority, a vital condition to avoid prolonged and costly conflicts, such as those seen during World War I, where trench warfare prevailed due to the vulnerability of ground forces lacking control of airspace. The aircraft’s versatility allows it to protect ground troops while disrupting enemy operations, ensuring the safety and success of allied forces.
The first Belgian F-35 flight also marks the beginning of the conversion of Belgian pilots. This training takes place within Belgium’s F-35 conversion unit, integrated into the Belgian-American 312th Squadron, based at Luke Air Force Base. This unit is responsible for training the pilots as well as all personnel involved in the implementation of the F-35.
Alongside their foreign counterparts, Belgian pilots will learn to master the aircraft's sophisticated systems while strengthening interoperability with allied air forces. This training plays a key role in preparing Belgium’s forces for future joint operations.
By joining the F-35 program, Belgium integrates into a broad coalition of 20 countries, including several NATO members and 13 European countries. This international community promotes enhanced cooperation in the areas of training, deployment, and joint operations. Belgium will benefit from synergies with allies such as the Netherlands, Denmark, and the United States, thus improving its interoperability and its ability to carry out global joint missions.
The acquisition of the F-35 also strengthens Belgium's position within the European Air Force (EPAF) and the European Air Wing (EAW), key initiatives to ensure an integrated European defense strategy. As Belgium continues to reinforce its partnership with European air forces, the F-35 will play a central role in the development of collective defense and operational capabilities across the continent.