The Belgian Air Force (Composante Air) has taken another step forward in its transition from the F-16 to the new stealth F-35A fighters. This is evident from the latest developments at Lockheed Martin’s production line, where the first aircraft to be delivered on Belgian soil is now entering its final production phase and preparing for its test and acceptance flights.
As of today, the Belgian Air Force is progressing in the process of incorporating a total of 34 F-35 stealth aircraft acquired from the United States. One of the most important milestones recorded in 2024 was the confirmation of the arrival of the first aircraft at Luke Air Force Base, where the first group of Belgian pilots, technicians, crew chiefs, and logistics personnel began their training and familiarization with the new fifth-generation platform.
Since then, these F-35s—which will remain in the United States for the time being—have been part of several milestones. The most recent took place during the Cross Continental Deployment 2025 (CCD 25) exercise, in which a Belgian Air Force F-16 detachment conducted a series of activities alongside the new fighters that will soon equip the force. The event carried strong symbolic significance, marking the passing of the torch from one generation to the next.
Back at Lockheed Martin’s main production facility, it was confirmed that the first aircraft, bearing the tail number “FL009,” has left the assembly line to undergo final finishing work, paving the way for the start of test and acceptance flights.
This is a significant development, as—unlike the F-35s previously delivered and currently based in the United States—this will be the first one destined for Florennes Air Base, initiating the delivery schedule for stealth fighters set to arrive in Belgium during the second half of 2025. It has also been indicated that, starting in 2027, the aircraft will be operated from Kleine-Brogel Air Base.
Lastly, and pending further details, it has been confirmed that the Belgian government is moving forward with negotiations to acquire a second batch of F-35 fighters, in order to complement the original 34 aircraft as part of a major modernization and reinforcement program for the European country’s armed forces.
