Belgium is set to advance with its commitment to the F-35 fighter jet programme, reaffirming its dedication to the acquisition of the costly and controversial stealth supersonic aircraft.
The new government in Arizona, where Belgian pilots are training, has signaled its intent to push forward with the deal despite mounting concerns over cost efficiency and strategic dependence on the United States.
The decision to purchase the American-made jets was initially taken in 2018 by then-Prime Minister Charles Michel’s government as part of a plan to replace Belgium’s ageing fleet of 45 F-16 fighter jets.
The need to transition to the newer platform has become even more pressing, as Belgium has already pledged 30 of its existing F-16s to Ukraine starting in 2026.
Economic Gamble with Limited Returns
Belgium’s purchase agreement includes 34 F-35 jets manufactured by Lockheed Martin at a total estimated cost of around €3.6 billion.
The Belgian government initially justified the purchase by highlighting potential economic returns through maintenance contracts for Belgian aerospace companies.
However, these expectations have not materialized as hoped. By mid-2022, Belgian firms had only secured €700 million in related contracts—less than 20% of the original investment.
A revised agreement signed last year projects that the programme will generate approximately €66 million annually, amounting to €2.7 billion over 40 years—still far from covering the initial cost.
Performance and Dependence Concerns
The F-35 programme has been plagued by technical issues and concerns about its reliability. Since 2018, at least 15 accidents involving the aircraft have been reported, and in August 2023, Belgium refused to accept two F-35 jets due to software deficiencies and problems with heads-up displays.
Despite these setbacks, General Frederik Vansina, Belgium’s top defence official, has defended the aircraft, calling it “the best fighter plane in the world.”
He cited Israel’s recent operations over Iran as proof of the jet’s superiority, and emphasized that stealth aircraft are the only viable option in modern warfare, especially considering lessons learned from the war in Ukraine.
Beyond performance issues, concerns about European dependence on U.S. military technology have been raised.
Some European nations, including Germany, fear that the United States could remotely disable the aircraft by restricting access to crucial operational software, particularly in the event of political disputes.
While Belgian officials have dismissed these concerns as “urban legends,” doubts persist regarding the country’s long-term strategic autonomy.
No Turning Back for Belgium
Despite the ongoing controversy and financial strain, Belgium appears committed to moving forward with the programme. Former Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder stated that the acquisition process has reached a stage where “there is no going back.”
In contrast, Portugal recently reversed its decision to purchase the F-35 over concerns about U.S. leverage and is now seeking European alternatives.
Belgium, however, remains on course. The first eight F-35 jets have already been delivered and are stationed in the United States for pilot and maintenance crew training.
By autumn, the first operational jets are expected to arrive in Belgium, where they will be deployed for NATO missions, particularly to bolster the alliance’s eastern flank.
With billions already invested, Belgium’s dependence on U.S. military technology seems to be deepening, raising questions about whether the country has any viable alternatives left—or if it is locked into a path of costly long-term reliance on American defense infrastructure.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
