Belgium’s air force welcomed its first F-35A Lightning II fighter jet to arrive for homeland operations Tuesday, marking a milestone in the country’s military modernization and NATO’s broader European defense strategy.
The stealth fighter touched down at Florennes Air Base during a ceremony attended by Lockheed Martin executives and Belgian Air Component leadership. The delivery represents Belgium’s latest step in replacing its aging F-16 fleet while contributing to an alliance-wide initiative to strengthen air defenses across the continent.
“Together with our NATO and European allies, we’re building a wall of F-35sāa shield of over 700 aircraft securing our European skies,” Belgian Armed Forces Chief of Defense Gen. Frederik Vansina said in a statement. “That wall is not a symbol of aggression, but of determination.”
The advanced fighter acquisition aligns with NATO’s heightened military posture along its eastern perimeter, where the alliance has deployed multinational battlegroups in eight member states including Poland, Romania and the Baltic nations. Those ground forces, established as a counter to Russian military actions in Ukraine, are being expanded from battalion to brigade strength in several locations.
Tuesday’s arrival brings Belgium’s received F-35 count to 11 aircraft out of a 34-jet order. Eight Belgian F-35As remain stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, where pilots and ground crews continue qualification training. The country announced plans in July to purchase 11 additional fighters, potentially expanding its fleet to 45 aircraft.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics President Greg Ulmer highlighted the fighter’s growing operational role across the alliance.
“As we’ve seen in recent operations on Europe’s eastern flank, this aircraft is making a difference for the deterrence and defense of NATO,” Ulmer said.
The F-35 has become the preferred fighter platform for 20 U.S.-allied nations, including 13 European countries. More than 1,245 of the fifth-generation jets currently operate from 50 bases worldwide, according to manufacturer Lockheed Martin.
Key Takeaways
- Belgium received its first F-35A Lightning II for domestic operations at Florennes Air Base, bringing the country’s total deliveries to 11 of 34 ordered aircraft.
- Eight Belgian F-35s remain at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona for pilot and maintenance crew training.
- Belgium announced plans in July to purchase 11 additional fighters, expanding its planned fleet to 45 aircraft.
- The delivery supports NATO’s strategy to deploy over 700 F-35s across Europe as part of enhanced continental air defenses.
- Twenty U.S.-allied nations have selected the F-35, with 13 located in Europe.
