Lieutenant Colonel Marc Devries still remembers the day he first climbed into an F-35 cockpit at Florennes Air Base. After twenty years flying F-16s, everything felt different. The screens weren’t just bigger—they were smarter. The helmet wasn’t just protective gear—it was like wearing a computer that could see through the aircraft itself.
“My grandfather flew Spitfires in World War II,” he told his wife that evening. “Now I’m piloting something that feels like it came from another planet entirely.”
That conversation happened in 2022, when Belgium’s first F-35s arrived. Back then, some politicians still whispered about the French Rafale as a potential second option. Today, those whispers have gone completely silent.
Why Belgium Doubled Down on American Steel
The Belgian F35 order just got supersized. Belgium announced an additional 11 F-35A Lightning II fighters to complement the 34 already on order, bringing the total fleet to 45 aircraft. This decision effectively ends any remaining speculation about French Rafale jets joining the Belgian Air Force.
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The original 2018 contract valued at €3.8 billion already made headlines across Europe. Now, with this expansion, Belgium has committed roughly €4.5 billion to American aviation technology—one of the largest defense purchases in the country’s modern history.
“We’re not just buying planes,” explains defense analyst Dr. Sophie Vandenberghe from the Royal Military Academy. “We’re buying into an entire ecosystem of technology, training, and international cooperation.”
The decision comes as Belgium faces increasing pressure to meet NATO’s 2% GDP defense spending target. The additional F-35s represent a significant step toward that goal while maintaining interoperability with key allies including the Netherlands, Norway, and Denmark—all F-35 operators.
Breaking Down Belgium’s Fighter Fleet Investment
The numbers behind this Belgian F35 order tell a compelling story of strategic priorities and financial commitments:
| Aircraft Details | Original Order (2018) | Additional Order (2024) | Total Fleet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Aircraft | 34 F-35A | 11 F-35A | 45 F-35A |
| Estimated Value | €3.8 billion | €700 million | €4.5 billion |
| Delivery Timeline | 2023-2030 | 2028-2032 | 2023-2032 |
| Base Location | Florennes | Florennes | Florennes |
The F-35’s capabilities extend far beyond traditional fighter roles:
- Stealth technology invisible to most radar systems
- Advanced sensor fusion providing 360-degree situational awareness
- Network-centric warfare capabilities linking with allied forces
- Multi-role functionality covering air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance missions
- Integration with NATO command and control systems
“The F-35 isn’t just replacing our F-16s,” notes Air Force spokesperson Major Lisa Hendrix. “It’s transforming how we think about air combat and international cooperation.”
What This Means for European Defense Politics
The expanded Belgian F35 order sends ripples far beyond Brussels. France had quietly hoped Belgium might eventually diversify its fighter fleet with Rafale purchases, similar to how some countries operate mixed fleets for different missions.
That dream died with this announcement.
“Belgium’s decision reflects a broader trend,” observes international relations expert Professor Jean-Claude Martineau. “Smaller European nations are prioritizing NATO interoperability over European defense independence.”
The choice affects multiple stakeholders:
- Belgian taxpayers will fund Europe’s most expensive defense program per capita
- French defense contractors lose a potential €2 billion market opportunity
- American defense jobs receive a boost from sustained F-35 production
- NATO allies gain a more interoperable partner in Belgium
- Belgian Air Force personnel must adapt to completely new training and maintenance systems
The timing coincides with increasing European defense spending driven by geopolitical tensions. Belgium’s neighbors are making similar calculations—the Netherlands operates 52 F-35s, while Norway has ordered 52 aircraft.
The Human Cost of Cutting-Edge Technology
Behind every Belgian F35 order lies a human story of adaptation and change. At Florennes Air Base, mechanics are relearning their profession. Pilots are discovering that twenty years of F-16 experience doesn’t automatically translate to F-35 mastery.
“The learning curve is steep,” admits Chief Technician Thomas Dupont, who has worked on Belgian fighters for fifteen years. “But the technology is incredible once you understand it.”
The transition affects families too. Pilots selected for F-35 training spend months in the United States, learning systems that didn’t exist when they first joined the Air Force. Spouses manage households alone while their partners master aircraft that cost more than most people earn in a lifetime.
For younger officers like Captain Sarah De Clerck, the F-35 represents opportunity rather than challenge. “This is the aircraft I’ll fly for the next twenty years,” she explains. “Learning it now means being at the forefront of air combat evolution.”
The economic impact extends beyond the military. Local suppliers around Florennes are adapting to new maintenance requirements, while Belgian companies seek partnerships with Lockheed Martin for training and support contracts.
Looking Ahead: Belgium’s Air Power Future
With 45 F-35s on order, Belgium will operate one of Europe’s most capable air forces relative to its size. The fleet will provide air policing for Belgian airspace, contribute to NATO missions, and potentially support coalition operations worldwide.
The decision also positions Belgium as a key player in the global F-35 network, sharing intelligence and operational experience with fifteen other nations operating the aircraft. This connectivity extends Belgium’s strategic influence far beyond what its size might traditionally allow.
“We’re not just buying American planes,” emphasizes Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder. “We’re investing in Belgium’s security for the next generation.”
The expanded Belgian F35 order represents more than military procurement—it’s a statement about Belgium’s place in 21st-century security architecture, prioritizing technological superiority and alliance solidarity over regional European preferences.
FAQs
Why did Belgium choose the F-35 over the French Rafale?
Belgium prioritized NATO interoperability, advanced stealth technology, and integration with allied systems over European defense independence.
How much will Belgium’s total F-35 fleet cost?
The 45 F-35A aircraft will cost approximately €4.5 billion including support and training systems.
When will all Belgian F-35s be delivered?
Deliveries began in 2023 and will continue through 2032, with the additional 11 aircraft arriving between 2028-2032.
Where will Belgium base its F-35 fleet?
All 45 F-35s will be stationed at Florennes Air Base in southern Belgium, replacing the aging F-16 fleet.
Can Belgium still buy French Rafale fighters in the future?
This expanded F-35 order effectively closes the door on Rafale purchases, as Belgium has committed its entire fighter budget to the American aircraft.
How does Belgium’s F-35 fleet compare to neighboring countries?
Belgium’s 45 F-35s will be comparable to the Netherlands’ 52 aircraft and Norway’s 52, making it a significant regional air power.