Belgian Air Force's First F-35A Rolls Out at Lockheed Martin

he aircraft will be delivered to the air force in the coming year and is set to be based at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, to facilitate pilot and maintainer training.

Kimberly Johnson

Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 11:43 AM ET

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Belgium is presented with its first F-35A Lightning II during an event at its Fort Worth, Texas, production facility. [Courtesy: Lockheed Martin]

Key Takeaways:

Lockheed Martin presented the Belgian Air Force with its first F-35A Lightning II fighter jet, designated AY-01.
The aircraft will be delivered next year and based at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, for Belgian pilot and maintainer training.
This delivery is part of Belgium's estimated $6.53 billion acquisition of 34 F-35 aircraft, approved in 2018.
The F-35's introduction aims to strengthen Belgium's defense capabilities and enhance interoperability with NATO and EU allies in Europe.

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Lockheed Martin presented the Belgian Air Force with its first F-35A Lightning II during an event at its Fort Worth, Texas, production facility Sunday.

The aircraft, which is designated AY-01, will be delivered to the air force in the coming year and is set to be based at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, to facilitate pilot and maintainer training, the manufacturer said.