By William Miller, for Eurasia Business News, June 14, 2025. Article no. 1556.

Belgium is preparing to receive its first F-35A fighter jet this fall, marking a significant milestone in its plan to modernize its air force with a total order of 34 aircraft from Lockheed Martin. The initial delivery had been delayed from 2023 due to production setbacks in the Joint Strike Fighter program but is now expected to proceed later in 2025, with the jet to be based at Florennes Air Base.

Eight earlier F-35s are currently stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona for training Belgian pilots and technical personnel. Belgium is also considering purchasing up to 21 additional F-35A jets, which would bring its fleet size to 55. Future aircraft are planned to be assembled in Europe at the Cameri Final Assembly and Check-Out (FACO) facility in Italy, supporting European industrial participation and aligning with Belgium’s defense and economic priorities.

The arrival of the F-35s is closely linked to Belgium’s plan to phase out its aging F-16 fleet by 2028, with many of those F-16s slated for transfer to Ukraine as part of military aid. The delivery of the advanced F-35 jets will enable Belgium to accelerate this transfer.

Belgium has invested significantly in upgrading infrastructure to support the new jets and increased its defense budget to meet NATO targets ahead of schedule. The F-35 program is seen as vital for maintaining interoperability within NATO and ensuring Belgium’s air capabilities remain cutting-edge.

Belgium’s first F-35 delivery this fall is a key step in modernizing its air force, supporting European defense industry collaboration, and facilitating military aid to Ukraine through the phased retirement of F-16s.

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© Copyright 2025 – Eurasia Business News. Article no. 1556.