Belgium Welcomes First F-35 Fighter Jets, Marking a New Era in NATO Air Defence
#F35 #nato #airdefense
Belgium has officially entered the fifth-generation fighter era, as its first F-35 Lightning II jets touched down at Florennes Air Base this week. Belgian pilots flew the aircraft directly from the United States, marking the first time in nearly half a century that Belgium has introduced a new type of fighter jet into its national fleet.
The arrival of the F-35s represents a major leap in Belgium’s air defence capabilities and a renewed commitment to NATO’s collective security. The country will eventually receive a total of 34 F-35s, replacing its ageing F-16 fleet that has served since the 1970s.
The fifth-generation F-35 is equipped with advanced stealth, sensor fusion, and networking technologies that allow it to operate seamlessly alongside other NATO aircraft. Belgian pilots underwent extensive training in the United States, joining allied counterparts to master the aircraft’s cutting-edge systems and combat integration capabilities.
Speaking at Florennes Air Base, Lieutenant Colonel Avi of the Belgian Air Force described the F-35 as “the best aircraft you can have at this time on earth.” He emphasized its stealth and sensor advantages, noting that the jet enables Belgian pilots to detect and neutralize threats from greater distances and at higher speeds than ever before. “With that aircraft we’re ready for anything,” Avi said. “We are able to protect NATO airspace and defend the alliance against evolving threats.”
Major General Geert De Decker, the Belgian Air Chief, hailed the day as historic. “With the arrival of the F-35, we are back with our partners, ready to defend NATO’s values and our countries,” he said. De Decker underlined the importance of unity and interoperability, highlighting that most NATO air forces are transitioning to the same aircraft model — a move he said strengthens collective deterrence. “We want to make a statement: think twice, maybe three times, before you want to hurt NATO,” he added.
The new jets will play a vital role in NATO’s integrated air defence and rapid response missions, particularly on the alliance’s eastern flank, where tensions have risen following years of instability along NATO’s borders.
For Belgium, the F-35 program is not only a technological upgrade but also a strategic investment in European security. The Florennes base will serve as the central hub for maintenance and operations as the new fleet gradually replaces the F-16s by the end of the decade.
As the first three jets rolled onto the runway under Belgian, NATO, and national flags, the event symbolized both a modernization milestone and a reaffirmation of solidarity among NATO allies.
00:00 FRONT OF F-35 LIGHTNING II JET
00:03 THREE F-35S FLY OVERHEAD
00:16 SINGLE F-35 FLYING OVERHEAD
00:23 F-35 LANDING AT FLORENNES AIR BASE
00:33 F-35 TAXIING ALONG RUNWAY
01:15 THREE F-35S ON RUNWAY
01:21 PILOT OF F-35 CLIMBS OUT OF COCKPIT AND WAVES TO CROWD
01:33 Lt Col Avi, Belgian Air Force
02:45 Major General Geert De Decker, Belgian Air Chief
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