Belgian F-35 Conversion Unit of US 312 Fighter Squadron boosts training of pilots and technicians at Luke AFB.

According to a tweet posted on November 23, 2023, the Belgian F-35 Conversion Unit, now integrated into the U.S. 312 Fighter Squadron at Luke AFB, Arizona, is preparing for a significant role in training 48 pilots, 14 simulator instructors, and 120 technicians. In 2025, the first of 34 F-35Aswill arrive at Florennes Air Base.

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 The Belgian-American 312 Fighter Squadron at Luke AFB is responsible for training Belgian F-35A pilots as well as technicians for the final phase of their training (Picture source: Twitter account of Belgian Defense)

Following extensive evaluations, the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II emerged as Belgium's preferred choice for succeeding to its aging F-16 fleet. Several critical factors contributed to this decision:
• Stealth capabilities: The F-35A's low-observable stealth technology grants it a decisive advantage in the modern battlespace. This capability enables the aircraft to operate in highly contested environments while remaining undetected by enemy radar systems.
• Multi-role capability: The F-35A Lightning II is a true multi-role fighter, proficient in air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, electronic warfare, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and more. Its versatility aligns perfectly with Belgium's diverse operational requirements.
• Interoperability: Belgium's involvement in NATO missions and its commitment to collaborative defense necessitated an aircraft capable of seamlessly integrating with the alliance's systems and platforms. The F-35A is designed with interoperability in mind, facilitating joint operations and information sharing.

The US Air Force and the Belgian Air Component established the 312 Fighter Squadron (312 FS) on August 12th, 2023, at the Luke Air Force Base, A l'Avant-Garde recalls. This Belgian-American squadron is responsible for training Belgian F-35 pilots as well as technicians for the final phase of their training. It is commanded by US Lieutenant Colonel Jason Wall. He is assisted by Belgian Major Pierre-Yves Libert.

The first Belgian military personnel of this new squadron are already on-site (Picture source: Twitter account of Belgian Defense)

The first Belgian military personnel of this new squadron are already on-site, followed in November by the rest of the preparation team, consisting of around ten individuals. They are complemented by American personnel, including six instructor pilots. In 2024, the training of the first six F-16 pilots transitioning to the F-35 will begin. These initial pilots will be trained as F-35 instructors and will subsequently train around forty other Belgian pilots with the assistance of American instructors. There will also be a group of 120 Belgian technicians. The training will include a theoretical component at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, as well as a practical component at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona.

The duration of a pilots’ conversion will depend on their experience: if they have previously flown F-16s, they will undergo six weeks of academic courses, 36 flight simulator sessions, and 26 real flights (two per week) as part of the "Initial Qualification" (IQ) program (Picture source: Twitter account of Belgian Defense)

The duration of a pilots’ conversion will depend on their experience: if they have previously flown F-16s, they will undergo six weeks of academic courses, 36 flight simulator sessions, and 26 real flights (two per week) as part of the "Initial Qualification" (IQ) program. The training will be longer for young pilots from the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT), where Belgian pilots have been trained since early 2019. This phase of transitioning from the F-16 to the F-35 on American soil is expected to last seven years.

The choice of Luke Air Force Base for the training unit of Belgian F-35 pilots was made in 2019. It was logical since 75% of F-35 pilots worldwide are trained there. This includes the Netherlands and Denmark (308th Squadron), Italy and Norway (62nd Squadron), and Singapore (425th Squadron), now joined by Belgium.

In early August, it was confirmed that no F-35s would be delivered this year, despite the initial order of four, with a six-month delay being cited. This delay is attributed to the need for equipment and software updates to ensure that the delivered F-35s are in the latest "Block 4" version.

The first eight F-35A Block 4 jets ordered by Belgium, currently in various stages of production, will remain stationed at Luke Air Force Base for initial pilot and mechanic training. The first Belgian F-35s will arrive at Florennes Air Base in 2025 and at Kleine-Brogel Air Base in 2027.

Through the Essential Security Interest (ESI) program, Lockheed Martin will provide some industrial opportunities for multiple Belgian companies in all three geographic regions. The projects secured through the ESI program will bring cutting-edge manufacturing techniques and benefits, expanding the Belgian industry’s skills and knowledge and providing high-tech jobs for Belgians for decades to come. Some of the companies that have secured projects through the ESI program include ASCO, Feronyl, ILIAS Solutions, SABCA, Sonaca, and AMI Metals.

The Belgian Air Component will operate its F-35As from Florennes Air Base in the Walloon region, and Kleine-Brogel Air Base in the Flanders region. No fewer than twelve countries have purchased the F-35. Eight of them are NATO allies.

The Belgian Air Component will operate its 34 F-35As equally from Florennes Air Base in the Walloon region, and Kleine-Brogel Air Base in the Flanders region (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)