Belgium has received the first three F-35 fighters from an order for a total of 45 aircraft, local media reported. King Philippe attended the welcoming ceremony at the Floren military base south of Brussels, BTA reports.
The aircraft were brought in by Belgian pilots who trained in the United States and were greeted with a traditional water salute. In the coming days, the aircraft will fly over all regions of Belgium to be shown to citizens. The fighters are planned to begin participating in missions in 2027, and to be used at full capacity from 2029-2030. Meanwhile, Belgian companies have signed a contract with engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney to work together.
In 2018, Belgium ordered 34 F-35 fighters, and earlier this year the government decided to buy 11 more, with deliveries expected to be completed by 2031. The Belgian F-35s are the “A” model, designed for standard takeoff and landing, unlike other models that can take off and land from aircraft carriers or vertically. Eight machines have already been delivered to Belgium, but remain in the United States for pilot training.
Following the Russian attack on Ukraine, Belgium has expressed its readiness to provide usable old F-16s to Kiev. The country’s air force has about 50 F-16 fighters from the 1980s, half of which are already decommissioned.