Belgium has confirmed the purchase of 11 additional F-35 fighter jets as part of its broader defense modernization plan. The acquisition, announced by Defence Minister Theo Francken, is estimated to cost around 1.5 billion euros ($1.7 billion).
This decision brings Belgium’s total F-35 commitment to 45 aircraft. Of these, eight have already been produced, and the ninth is scheduled for delivery later this year. The first aircraft was officially launched by Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas, in 2023.
The F-35 procurement began in 2018 as a replacement for Belgium’s aging fleet of F-16s. The move is intended to enhance Belgium’s air defense capabilities and align the country more closely with NATO standards. The complete F-35 fleet is expected to be fully operational by 2031.
