The Belgian Air Force is about to introduce the F-35 "Lightning II" Block 4 fighter, which marks a new stage in Belgium's history. At the completion ceremony held in Fort Worth, Texas, Lockheed Martin presented this advanced fighter to Belgium, injecting new impetus into the modernization of the Belgian Air Force. The Belgian Air Force is relatively limited, with 4,500 active personnel and a total of 120 fixed-wing and ***. The fighter unit consists mainly of a smaller number of F-16AM BM fighters, which currently have only 54 units. In addition to fighter jets, the Belgian Air Force is also equipped with trainers, transport aircraft and auxiliary aircraft. Despite the fact that the Belgian Air Force has a certain level of combat experience and skills, it needs to be improved in terms of the number of fighters and the technical level. Therefore, Belgium is actively promoting the modernization of the Air Force and plans to introduce more advanced equipment and technology to enhance the combat capability of the Air Force. On October 25, 2018, the Belgian Ministry of Defense announced that it would purchase F-35A** fighter jets to replace existing F-16 fighters.
According to the decision, Belgium will purchase 34 F-35s, including four spare engines, a spare kit for electronic warfare and communication systems, a simulator and an autonomous logistics information system (ALIS), for a total cost of about $6.5 billion. In order to raise funds, Belgium plans to allocate 3.6 billion euros for the implementation of the plan, including through the defense budget and loans. In addition, countries such as the United Kingdom and France have also provided financial support to Belgium to help it modernize its military. In the coming years, Belgium will receive 34 F-35A fighters one after another, injecting new vitality into the modernization of the Air Force. Belgian Chief of Defense Staff Hoffmann emphasized the importance of the F-35 to the Belgian Air Force, believing that the F-35A will greatly improve the efficiency of the Air Force's mission and strengthen Brussels' cooperation with allies and partners in NATO, the European Union and other regions. The F-35Block 4 version is the latest version of the current fighter series, with hardware and software upgrades, including improvements and upgrades to the engine, avionics system, ** system and other key subsystems to improve the performance and reliability of the fighter.
In addition, the Block 4 version also adds new capabilities and features, such as enhanced stealth performance, advanced electronic warfare systems, higher speed and maneuverability, etc., allowing the F-35 to better adapt to the needs of modern warfare and improve its survivability and combat effectiveness in complex electromagnetic environments. In partnership with Loma, Belgium participates in the Essential Security Interest (ESI) program, which provides Brussels with a unique advantage. The program not only provides Belgian engineers and experts with access to and familiarity with cutting-edge U.S. defense technology, but also provides them with the opportunity to upskill and expand their local industry knowledge. Currently, the first F-35Block 4 batch fighter with the designation "AY-01" is conducting a test flight at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. Once the test flight is completed and satisfactory results are obtained, the fighter will be officially delivered to the Belgian Air Force in 2024. Belgium has made it clear that they will only accept the latest version of the F-35 in the fourth batch, and other versions are not to be discussed.
Hoffman stressed the importance of the F-35 to the Belgian Air Force, believing that the F-35A will greatly improve the effectiveness of the Air Force's mission and strengthen Brussels' cooperation with allies and partners in NATO, the European Union and other regions. The F-35Block 4 version is the latest version of the current fighter series, with hardware and software upgrades, including improvements and upgrades to the engine, avionics system, ** system and other key subsystems to improve the performance and reliability of the fighter. In addition, the Block 4 version also adds new capabilities and features, such as enhanced stealth performance, advanced electronic warfare systems, higher speed and maneuverability, etc., allowing the F-35 to better adapt to the needs of modern warfare and improve its survivability and combat effectiveness in complex electromagnetic environments. In partnership with Loma, Belgium participates in the Essential Security Interest (ESI) program, which provides Brussels with a unique advantage. The program not only provides Belgian engineers and experts with access to and familiarity with cutting-edge U.S. defense technology, but also provides them with the opportunity to upskill and expand their local industry knowledge.
Currently, the first F-35Block 4 batch fighter with the designation "AY-01" is conducting a test flight at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. Once the test flight is completed and satisfactory results are obtained, the fighter will be officially delivered to the Belgian Air Force in 2024. Belgium has made it clear that they will only accept the latest version of the F-35 in the fourth batch, and other versions are not to be discussed. Loma recently delivered the latest version of the Lightning II fighter to Belgium, marking an important step towards the modernization of the Belgian Air Force. This delivery is not only a major achievement for Loma, but also breathes new life into the military strength of the Belgian Air Force. This advanced fighter will provide the Belgian Air Force with enhanced defense and combat capabilities, helping to ensure the security and stability of the country. The delivery also demonstrates the close cooperation between the United States and Belgium in the field of defense, laying a solid foundation for future cooperation.