Belgium presented with first F-35 Joint Strike Fighter

WASHINGTON — The Belgian Air Force was officially presented its first F-35A at an event in Texas Sunday, in what the service called a “crucial advancement” for America’s NATO ally.

“The introduction of the F-35 within the Belgian Air Force will enable us to continue to fulfil all our missions in the coming decades, in cooperation with our allies and partners in NATO, the EU and beyond,” Chief of Defence for the Belgian Armed Forces, Adm. Michel Hofman, said in a release from F-35 maker Lockheed Martin.

The plane was presented in what appeared to be an elaborate ceremony in Fort Worth, after the aircraft designated AY-01 rolled off Lockheed’s production line there.

Lockheed said the AY-01 is expected to be officially delivered to Belgian forces “next year,” but the Belgian Ministry of Defense said the first eight planes will actually go to a joint US-Belgian squadron at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, where the planes will be used for training Belgian pilots and technicians.

In all, Belgium expects to receive 34 F-35s. In 2018, the US State Department estimated the deal for the jets and associated equipment to be worth $6.3 billion, though the figure may have changed since then.

The F-35, which has been co-developed or purchased by 16 US partners and allies around the world, is expected to fly in the Belgian Air Force in place of aging F-16s until a sixth-generation fighter comes online. As for what that will be, earlier this year Brussels announced it would be an “observer” and later a full partner in the German-Franco-Spanish project known as the Future Combat Air System, which includes a next-generation fighter and a fleet of drone wingmen.

“The development of a next-generation air combat capability is a unique opportunity for Europe. In doing so, Belgium is committed to peace, stability and innovation in defence, building together a secure and prosperous future for our nation and our partners,” Ludivine Dedonder, Belgium’s defense minister, said in a LinkedIn post last month.

Eric Trappier, CEO of French fighter jet manufacturer Dassault previously said he was opposed to Belgium’s FCAS inclusion because of the decision by Brussels to acquire the F-35 and not Dassault’s rival Rafale aircraft. He has also reportedly vowed to campaign against Belgian suppliers receiving FCAS jobs as part of his hard line stance to Belgium becoming a FCAS partner, a move set to be made official in 2025.

Breaking Defense’s Tim Martin contributed to this report.