![A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 95th Fighter Squadron takes off at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, on March 1, 2024. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force]](https://flyingmag1.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/8300878-scaled-1.jpg?width=2560&height=1695)
The first F-35A Lightning II designated for in-country service with Belgium’s air force arrived at Florennes Air Base on Tuesday.
Lockheed Martin officials joined a ceremony hosted by the Belgian Air Component to mark the fighter jet’s official integration into its operations, a move aimed at bolstering national and collective NATO defenses.
The delivery is part of a broader allied effort to create an advanced, streamlined air defense network across Europe.
“Together with our NATO and European allies, we’re building a wall of F-35s—a shield of over 700 aircraft securing our European skies,” said General Frederik Vansina, chief of defense of the Belgian Armed Forces, in a Lockheed Martin news release. “That wall is not a symbol of aggression, but of determination. It says loud and clear: The skies over Europe belong to those who defend freedom, not to those who seek to destroy it.”
Ramping Up NATO defenses
This strengthening of air power aims to complement NATO’s increased military presence on the ground across the eastern part of the alliance. In recent years, NATO has established multinational battlegroups in Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.
These forward land forces were created to counteract Russia’s actions in Ukraine and serve as a defensive measure. In some cases, these forces are being scaled up from battalion- to brigade-size units where required.
Lockheed Martin stated that the F-35 is now the fighter of choice for 20 nations allied to the U.S., 13 of which are in Europe. Greg Ulmer, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, noted the aircraft’s proven impact.
“As we’ve seen in recent operations on Europe’s eastern flank, this aircraft is making a difference for the deterrence and defense of NATO,” Ulmer said.
Including the aircraft that just arrived at Florennes, Belgium has now received 11 of its 34 F-35A deliveries. Eight of these jets are currently stationed at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, where Belgian pilots and maintenance crews are undergoing training.
In July, Belgium signaled its intent to purchase an additional 11 F-35As, which would bring its total planned fleet to 45 aircraft. Lockheed Martin stated that more than 1,245 F-35s are currently operational from 50 bases worldwide.
