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First Belgian F-35 Officially Received and Stationed at a US base.
Belgium's Air Component has reached a milestone in its modernization with the reception of its first F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter aircraft. This aircraft, assembled at Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth, Texas facility, is now being transferred to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. This base will play a central role in training Belgian pilots and technicians, marking the beginning of a significant transformation for the country's air defense capabilities.
The delivery of this fifth-generation aircraft is part of Belgium's strategic program to replace its aging fleet of F-16s (Picture source: US DoD)
The delivery of this fifth-generation aircraft is part of Belgium's strategic program to replace its aging fleet of F-16s. Approved by the government in 2018, this program represents a significant investment in the country's military capabilities while fulfilling commitments to NATO and the European Union. The F-35 Lightning II, equipped with advanced stealth, connectivity, and versatility, is designed to operate in complex and hostile environments, enhancing national security and collective defense.
The F-35A Lightning II, now equipped with the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) upgrade, marks a significant advancement in fifth-generation combat aircraft capabilities. This update provides increased computing power and expanded memory to support new Block 4 features, including modernized sensor suites, long-range precision weapons, and enhanced electronic warfare functionalities. These upgrades improve data fusion and platform interoperability, giving pilots a decisive advantage in identifying, engaging, and surviving against advanced threats in air, land, and cyber domains.
With versatile armament capabilities, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles and precision-guided bombs, the F-35A is designed to perform a wide range of missions, from tactical support to strategic deterrence. Its advanced AN/APG-81 radar and Distributed Aperture System (DAS) provide unmatched 360-degree situational awareness, detecting aerial and ground threats at extended ranges. With its stealth capabilities and network connectivity, the F-35A remains a cornerstone of modern air forces, ensuring air superiority and effective defense for allied nations.
The arrival of Belgium's first F-35 is more than just an equipment transfer; it represents a technological and doctrinal shift. Luke Air Force Base in Arizona has been selected to host Belgian pilots and technicians, offering a premier environment for mastering the sophisticated systems of this advanced aircraft. This international training hub, where allied air forces frequently collaborate, provides an optimal setting for acquiring the skills necessary for operation and maintenance.
This development also signifies Belgium's integration into a broader network of F-35 operators, including European partners such as the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Denmark. These alliances foster resource-sharing, optimize logistics, and strengthen strategic cooperation at an international level.
The delivery of 34 F-35 fighter aircraft to Belgium, initially planned on a more ambitious timeline, is now expected by summer 2025, reflecting a notable delay in the program. This postponement, discussed during a parliamentary defense commission session, raised concerns among lawmakers about its operational impacts on the Air Component. While attributed partly to industrial and logistical challenges faced by Lockheed Martin, the contract includes financial penalties to address these delays. This adjusted timeline underscores the complexities of acquiring modern defense systems and highlights the need for meticulous planning in projects of such strategic importance.