Brussels, Belgium: In a historic ceremony at Lockheed Martin’s F-35 production facility, Belgium officially received its first F-35A Lightning II, solidifying its commitment to advancing its air capabilities and reinforcing its role as a key NATO ally.
The rollout event, attended by senior government and military leaders from both Belgium and the United States, marks a significant milestone in the Belgian Air Force’s history.
Chief of Defense for the Belgian Armed Forces, Admiral Michel Hofman, expressed the importance of the introduction of the F-35, stating, “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.”
Belgium’s decision to embrace the F-35 comes as a strategic move to build on the solid legacy of the F-16 and equip the Belgian Air Force with the next generation of air power.
The F-35, known for its advanced capabilities and connectivity, will ensure the Belgian Air Force can effectively fulfil its NATO missions and safeguard the alliance’s fundamental interests.
Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt, program executive officer of the F-35 Joint Program Office, congratulated Belgium on the achievement, emphasizing the growth of the F-35 in Europe and its impact on international partnerships and warfighting capability. He highlighted the aircraft’s role as a deterrent against potential adversaries.
Greg Ulmer, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, commended Belgium on the milestone, stating, “With its unmatched capability, connectivity, and interoperability, the 5th Generation F-35 will enable the Belgian Air Force to stay ahead of threats for decades to come.”
Ulmer also acknowledged the strong partnership and critical contributions from the Belgian government and industry that made this milestone possible.
Belgium’s program of record calls for 34 F-35As, with the first aircraft, designated AY-01, set to be delivered to the Belgian Air Force next year.
This aircraft will be based at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, where international F-35 pilot and maintainer training takes place.
Apart from enhancing Belgium’s defence capabilities, the F-35 program creates long-term employment opportunities for the country.
Through the Essential Security Interest (ESI) program, Lockheed Martin will introduce cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, expanding the skills and knowledge of the Belgian industry and providing high-tech jobs for Belgians for decades to come.
The F-35’s global footprint is expanding rapidly, with operations from 31 bases worldwide. Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 980 F-35s to date, with over 2,250 pilots and 15,125 maintainers trained. The F-35 fleet has surpassed 768,000 cumulative flight hours, underscoring its reliability and operational prowess.
Lockheed Martin continues to collaborate closely with F-35 operators to ensure that allies remain ahead of evolving threats.
The successful integration of the F-35 into the Belgian Air Force represents a technological leap forward and a testament to the enduring partnership between the United States and Belgium within the NATO framework.
As the F-35 takes its place in Belgium’s military arsenal, it heralds a new era of air power capabilities and strengthens the collective defence of the NATO alliance.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
