As part of an ambitious defense investment plan, the Belgian government is considering the purchase of 21 additional F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters from the United States, aiming to bolster the operational capabilities of its Air Force. If the acquisition is finalized, Belgium’s fleet would reach 55 units—a figure that, according to various sources, meets the operational requirements set by NATO.
The potential purchase comes at a time when Belgium is planning to increase its defense spending to reach 2% of GDP, in line with capability goals established by the Atlantic Alliance. In this regard, the Belgian government is finalizing details of an investment plan that foresees around €36 billion in defense orders through 2035, with approximately €28 billion expected to be executed.
One of the key components of this planning is the strengthening of the air component. About €5 billion will be allocated for this purpose, covering not only the purchase of new F-35s but also future system upgrades and the development of a European-led project to manage the aircraft’s database, currently under U.S. control.
This decision aligns with NATO’s “capability targets,” which are defined every four years for each member country. As the next NATO summit approaches, Brussels is expected to officially announce this acquisition, which would enable Belgium to cover the full spectrum of air operations required either independently or in cooperation with allied forces—especially in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Belgium’s Air Force and the F-35 Fighters
Belgium is currently in the process of incorporating the F-35A, which began in 2018 when the country signed a contract to acquire 34 fifth-generation fighters to replace its aging F-16 fleet. The deal, valued at USD 6.53 billion, included the delivery of the first aircraft by 2025.
The first jet, designated “AY-01,” was officially unveiled by Lockheed Martin in December 2023 at its Fort Worth, Texas facility. It was then transferred in December 2024 to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, where it serves as a training platform for new Belgian pilots, along with classroom instruction and simulators. In May 2024, another major milestone was reached when the “AY-03” successfully completed its maiden flight from Lockheed Martin’s facilities, lasting approximately one hour. This test is part of the validation process prior to final delivery.
Starting in 2027, F-35A aircraft are expected to begin operations from Kleine-Brogel Air Base, marking the full deployment of the fleet on Belgian soil. During the unveiling ceremony of the first fighter, Belgium’s Chief of Defense, Admiral Michel Hofman, emphasized that the arrival of the F-35 represents a turning point for the Armed Forces, enabling the country to carry out a broad range of air missions—either autonomously or in coordination with NATO allies.
At the same time, Belgium’s decision to expand its F-35 fleet also strengthens ties with the United States, a key partner within the NATO framework. The investment in this aircraft places Belgium among a select group of fifth-generation fighter users, at a time when Europe’s strategic capabilities are being redefined.
With this initiative, the Belgian government seeks not only to modernize its air force but also to enhance its profile as a committed ally in collective defense. The full integration of the F-35A into Europe’s defense system promises enhanced interoperability and marks the beginning of a new phase in the development of advanced technological capabilities for the region.
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