Belgium strengthens NATO air defences with arrival of F-35 jets

Belgium has officially informed NATO of the arrival of its first three F-35 fighter jets, ordered from the United States in 2018.

“Belgian Air Force welcomes their first F-35 fighter jets. These cutting-edge aircraft, widely considered the most technologically advanced on the planet, will help better defend NATO airspace,” NATO’s press service said on its X page, Caliber.Az reports.

According to the statement, Belgian pilots have already completed their first flights from Florennes Air Base in southern Belgium, near the French border.

Earlier, Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken said the country expected to receive four F-35 jets on October 13, but the Defence Ministry confirms that only three have been delivered so far.

The delivery of these jets marks a major step in Belgium’s air force modernisation program.

The three F-35A Lightning II aircraft are the first of a total of 34 ordered from Lockheed Martin to replace the ageing F-16 fleet and enhance NATO’s regional air defence capabilities.

While the fourth jet was delayed due to unscheduled maintenance, it is expected to join the fleet shortly.

This acquisition is part of Belgium’s broader defence strategy, which includes collaborations with neighbouring countries, such as the joint purchase of the NASAMS missile defence system with the Netherlands, aimed at strengthening European security.

By Jeyhun Aghazada