Belgium Unveils Its Groundbreaking First F-35A Multirole Fighter Jet with Enthusiastic Festivities
Lockheed Martin [LMT] unveiled Belgium’s inaugural F-35A Lightning II to the Belgian government during a rollout event at Lockheed Martin’s F-35 manufacturing facility. This occasion signifies an important milestone in the history of the Belgian Air Force and fortifies the alliance between the United States and Belgium, an essential NATO partner.
“The adoption of the F-35 within the Belgian Air Force empowers us to continue executing all our missions in the upcoming decades, in collaboration with our allies and partners in NATO, the EU, and beyond,” stated Chief of Defense for the Belgian Armed Forces, Admiral Michel Hofman.
Building on the impressive legacy of the F-16, the F-35 will deliver the next generation of aerial capability to ensure the Belgian Air Force can accomplish its NATO objectives and safeguard the alliance’s crucial interests. As the most sophisticated 21st Century security solution, the F-35 will integrate assets across multiple domains to enhance situational awareness for Belgium and its vital European allies.
“We commend Belgium on this remarkable accomplishment,” remarked Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt, program executive officer for the F-35 Joint Program Office. “The expansion of the F-35 in Europe enhances global partnerships, interoperability, and combat effectiveness; and underscores the critical role the aircraft serves as a deterrent against potential threats.”
“With its unparalleled capabilities, connectivity, and interoperability, the 5th Generation F-35 will empower the Belgian Air Force to remain ahead of dangers for many years to come,” commented Greg Ulmer, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. “The achievement of today’s milestone would not have been feasible without the robust partnership and significant contributions from our close allies in the Belgian government and industry.”
https://twitter.com/LockheedMartin/status/1734290403979919419?s=20
High-ranking officials from both the Belgian and U.S. governments and militaries attended the event. Belgium’s program outlines a total of 34 F-35As. The first aircraft, designated AY-01, is scheduled to be delivered to the Belgian Air Force next year and will be stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, where international F-35 pilot and maintainer training occurs.
The F-35 initiative also generates high-quality, sustainable job opportunities for Belgium. Through the Essential Security Interest (ESI) program, Lockheed Martin will introduce state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques and advantages, enhancing the skills and knowledge of the Belgian industry and offering high-tech employment for Belgians for decades ahead.
F-35s are currently operational at 31 bases worldwide. To date, Lockheed Martin has delivered over 980 F-35s, trained more than 2,250 pilots and 15,125 maintainers, and the F-35 fleet has exceeded 768,000 cumulative flight hours. Lockheed Martin remains dedicated to collaborating closely with F-35 operators to keep allies ahead of evolving security challenges.
