Belgium’s first F-35 fighter jets touch down at Florennes, clearing path for F-16 transfer to Ukraine
October 13, 2025
Belgium has received its first three Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighters, marking a decisive step in its transition from F-16s to fifth-generation capability, and clearing the way for Brussels to transfer some of its legacy jets to Ukraine.
The aircraft, serial numbers FL009, FL010, and FL012, arrived at Florennes Air Base on 13 October after a transatlantic flight from Fort Worth, Texas, with a stopover in the Azores. A fourth jet, FL011, remained at Lajes due to “technical uncertainty regarding its airworthiness,” according to the Belgian Defence Ministry.
A ceremony marking the arrival, attended by King Philippe and Defence Minister Theo Francken, signalled the start of a new phase in Belgium’s airpower modernisation plan.
“This delivery allows us to begin the transition to a fifth-generation force while preparing to transfer our F-16s to Ukraine in coordination with NATO partners,” Francken told Le Soir.
Belgium joins NATO’s fifth-generation fleet after a seven-year procurement effort
Belgium selected the F-35A in 2018 following a seven-year competition to replace its ageing F-16 Fighting Falcons. The initial contract covered 34 aircraft, later expanded to 45, with the Ministry of Defence now seeking approval for 11 additional aircraft. These are expected to be assembled at Leonardo’s final assembly and check-out line in Cameri, Italy.
Eight Belgian F-35s are already stationed at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, where pilots and maintenance crews are undergoing conversion training. The newly delivered aircraft will form Belgium’s first operational squadron at Florennes, with a second squadron at Kleine-Brogel due by 2027.
The F-35A introduces a generational leap for the Belgian Air Component, integrating the AN/APG-81 AESA radar and AN/ASQ-239 electronic warfare suite, which enhances situational awareness, targeting precision, and survivability in contested environments.
F-35A arrival enables phased release of F-16s for Ukraine
The induction of the F-35A allows Belgium to begin releasing its F-16s to Ukraine in coordination with coalition partners. The Belgian F-16 fleet, upgraded to the MLU (Mid-Life Update) standard, remains combat-proven from NATO operations in Libya and Operation Inherent Resolve in the Middle East.
As the F-35A enters service, the remaining F-16s will continue Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties through the late 2020s before being progressively retired.
Belgium joins a growing list of NATO members operating the F-35, including the Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, Poland, Finland, Norway, and the UK. Germany has also committed to the aircraft, while several Central and Eastern European nations are assessing future acquisitions.
By contrast, Portugal and Spain have opted against the F-35 for now, citing cost pressures and ongoing fleet rationalisation. Despite this, the F-35 remains the centrepiece of NATO’s next-generation airpower strategy, with more than 1,200 aircraft in service worldwide.
Next steps: Operational readiness and integrated deterrence
Belgium aims to declare initial operational capability (IOC) by 2027, with at least four F-35As assigned to QRA duties. The full fleet of 46 aircraft is expected to be operational by the mid-2030s, enhancing interoperability with neighbouring Netherlands and reinforcing the Benelux contribution to NATO’s integrated air defence.
The arrival of the F-35A fleet not only signals Belgium’s entry into the fifth-generation era but also aligns its national defence posture with NATO’s evolving deterrence architecture. For Ukraine, it means the long-awaited transfer of Belgian F-16s is now within reach.
