Belgium selects F-35A Lightning II

Belgium has selected the Lockheed Martin F-35A to replace its F-16s, with the country’s Council of Ministers choosing the fighter instead of the Eurofighter Typhoon or Dassault Rafale. As well as 34 F-35A Block 4 jets, the council approved acquisition of two MQ-9B SkyGuardian unmanned aerial vehicles. Defence minister Steven Vandeput has said the F-35 was “the best choice for our country in financial, operational, and industrial terms”.

Belgium will pay € 3.8bn for the 34 F- 35As, plus two flight simulation centres, equipment and information and communications technology for operational and technical support, plus pilot helmets. The contract will also cover training of pilots and technicians and technological developments until 2030. The first aircraft are expected to be delivered by 2023.