Aerospace giant expands European manufacturing footprint as international F-35 demand continues to grow
Lockheed Martin has reached an agreement with Belgium to assemble the NATO nation’s remaining F-35A fighter jets at its Italian production facility, highlighting the company’s evolving strategy to balance U.S. and international manufacturing capabilities.
The agreement was confirmed following a meeting between Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken and Lockheed Martin International President Michael Williamson during the minister’s visit to the United States.
“We agreed to have production of Belgian F-35 fighter jets at the production facility in Italy,” Francken said in a May 7 post on X, referring to the final assembly and check-out line at Cameri air base.
The decision represents a shift from Belgium’s initial F-35 acquisition approach. The first Belgian F-35A underwent final assembly at Lockheed’s Fort Worth facility in Texas in late 2023 and completed its maiden flight in May 2024.
Aviation analytics company Cirium reports that Lockheed has delivered eight fifth-generation fighters to the Belgian Air Component so far, with 26 aircraft remaining from the country’s total order of 34 jets.
The move aligns with Francken’s previously stated position. In mid-April, the defense minister had outlined his desire to see Belgium’s remaining F-35s both built and supported in Europe rather than the United States.
Following the agreement, Francken described the U.S.-led F-35 program as a “strong and effective multinational partnership,” emphasizing the collaborative nature of the multinational defense initiative.
Belgium is acquiring the advanced stealth fighters to replace its aging fleet of approximately 50 operational Lockheed F-16A/Bs, which have served as the backbone of the country’s air defense for decades.
The Cameri facility in Italy represents one of Lockheed Martin’s key international F-35 production sites, complementing the company’s main manufacturing operations in Fort Worth, Texas.
Key Takeaways
- Lockheed Martin will shift assembly of Belgium’s remaining 26 F-35 fighters to Italy’s Cameri facility.
- Belgian defense minister specifically requested European production and support.
- The agreement follows delivery of Belgium’s first eight F-35s, which were assembled in Texas.
- Belgium is replacing approximately 50 aging F-16 fighters with 34 advanced F-35s.
- The decision highlights Lockheed’s strategy to balance U.S. and European production capabilities.
