The stealth fighter jet F-35A Lightning II with tail number FL011 has finally landed at Florennes, completing Belgium’s first batch of aircraft stationed on national territory.
After a delay of nearly two weeks due to “unscheduled maintenance”, the Belgian F-35 FL011 arrived at Florennes Air Base. The information was confirmed by the press office of the Air Component of the Belgian Armed Forces.
+ Two Aircraft from USS Nimitz Crash on the Same Day During Operations in the South China Sea
The initial batch of four aircraft was scheduled to depart from Fort Worth, Texas, bound for Belgium in early October. However, only three F-35s arrived in time for the welcoming ceremony held on October 13, which was attended by King Philippe.
The fourth jet, FL011, was temporarily grounded in the Azores, where it underwent inspections and corrective maintenance to ensure flight safety across the Atlantic.
Local Training and Fleet Modernization
The arrival of the F-35A in Belgium marks a major milestone in the Air Force’s operational transition, allowing pilot and technical crew training to accelerate directly on home soil.
Although Florennes is now receiving its first F-35s, the first Belgian aircraft were delivered in December 2024 to Luke Air Force Base (Arizona, USA), where they continue to be used for joint training with the 312th Fighter Squadron of the U.S. Air Force.
Currently, there are eight Belgian F-35s based in the United States participating in the pilot training program.
Operational Readiness and Future Plans
The fleet’s initial combat readiness is expected by mid-2027, when the aircraft will be able to perform limited missions. Full combat capability is anticipated by the end of 2030.
The new F-35s will gradually replace the existing F-16AM/BM fighters currently in service, which are slated to be transferred to Ukraine. According to Belgian government plans, up to 30 F-16s are expected to be delivered to Kyiv by 2028 — making Belgium the largest donor of these jets among NATO countries.
Source and images: Air Component of the Belgian Armed Forces. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
