Lockheed Martin presented Belgium’s first F-35A Lightning II to the Belgian government during a rollout ceremony at Lockheed Martin’s F-35 production facility.
The event marks a significant milestone in the Belgian Air Force’s history and strengthens the alliance between the United States and Belgium, a key NATO ally.
“The introduction of the F-35 within the Belgian Air Force will enable us to continue to fulfil all our missions in the coming decades, in cooperation with our allies and partners in NATO, the EU and beyond,” said chief of defence for the Belgian Armed Forces, Admiral Michel Hofman.
Building on the strong legacy of the F-16, the F-35 will provide the next generation of air power to ensure the Belgian Air Force can fulfill its NATO missions and protect the alliance’s key interests.
By serving as the most advanced 21st Century Security solution, the F-35 will connect assets across domains to increase situational awareness for Belgium and its key European partners.
“We congratulate Belgium on this significant achievement,” said Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt, programme executive officer, F-35 Joint Program Office.
“The growth of the F-35 in Europe strengthens international partnerships, interoperability, and warfighting capability; and emphasises the importance the aircraft provides as a deterrent against potential adversaries.”
“With its unmatched capability, connectivity and interoperability, the 5th Generation F-35 will enable the Belgian Air Force to stay ahead of threats for decades to come,” said Greg Ulmer, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.
“Today’s milestone would not have been possible without the strong partnership and key contributions from our close partners in Belgian government and industry.”
Senior government and military leaders from Belgium and the United States attended the ceremony. Belgium’s program of record calls for 34 F-35As. The first aircraft, designated AY-01, will be delivered to the Belgian Air Force next year and will be based at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, where international F-35 pilot and maintainer training takes place.
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