Belgium's first F-35A Lightning II aircraft has arrived at Florennes Air Base, marking the official start of the fighter jet’s integration into Belgian Air Force operations. The event was commemorated with a ceremony attended by representatives from Lockheed Martin and the Belgian Air Force.
General Frederik Vansina, Chief of Defence of the Belgian Armed Forces, commented on the significance of this milestone: "Together with our NATO and European allies, we're building a wall of F-35s — a shield of over 700 aircraft securing our European skies," he said. "That wall is not a symbol of aggression, but of determination. It says loud and clear: the skies over Europe belong to those who defend freedom, not to those who seek to destroy it."
Major General Geert De Decker, Commander of the Belgian Air Force, emphasized Belgium’s renewed capabilities: "With the F-35, Belgium is reclaiming its place among the world's leading air forces, equipped with the most advanced technology, integrated within a multinational and interconnected environment."
Greg Ulmer, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, highlighted both operational impact and longstanding partnership: "The F-35 is a testament to the power of allied air power, providing a critical advantage to all who operate it. As we've seen in recent operations on Europe's eastern flank, this aircraft is making a difference for the deterrence and defense of NATO," he said. "For more than 70 years, we have proudly partnered with Belgium to strengthen its national security and defense industrial base, and this milestone is a major step toward ensuring the Belgian Air Force will continue staying ahead of adversarial threats for decades to come."
Belgium has now received 11 out of its planned 34 F-35A aircraft. Eight are currently stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona for pilot and maintainer training. In July 2025, Belgium announced plans to purchase an additional 11 F-35As that would bring its total order up to 45 jets.
The F-35 program includes participation from 20 allied nations—13 in Europe—with active service across 16 military branches worldwide. Over 1,245 F-35s are operational globally at more than 50 bases; these have collectively surpassed one million flight hours.
Lockheed Martin describes itself as a global defense technology company focused on innovation and scientific advancement.
