Belgium is preparing to expand its F-35 fighter jet fleet to strengthen its defense capabilities. Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Defense Minister Theo Francken confirmed plans to procure an additional 11 F-35s, supplementing the 34 aircraft ordered under the initial contract signed in 2018. According to a report by RTL, Belgium will allocate approximately €3.9 billion in addition to its 2025 defense budget for this new acquisition.
Defense Minister Francken provided limited details regarding the additional budget but stated that part of this year’s defense funding would come from extraordinary sources such as dividends from Belfius Bank and revenues from frozen Russian assets. Francken also emphasized Belgium’s support for Europe’s 6th-generation fighter jet project, the SCAF program, to which Belgium has contributed €60 million so far. However, since the SCAF delivery timeline extends beyond 2040, Belgium is seeking short-term solutions.
F-35s to Be Assembled in Italy
According to information reported by Army Recognition, Minister Francken requested that the new F-35 fighter jets be produced in Italy instead of the United States. Francken confirmed in a meeting with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto that Belgium officially requested the assembly of its future F-35s at the Cameri Final Assembly and Check-Out (FACO) Facility in Italy. This move aims to align Belgium’s defense investments with European industrial goals, reduce dependency on the U.S. supply chain, and create new job opportunities within Europe.
Current Status of Belgium’s F-35 Program
Belgium’s F-35 procurement process began in 2018 with the signing of a €3.6 billion contract under then-Defense Minister Steven Vandeput. When infrastructure, maintenance, and training costs are included, the total contract value is reported to approach €4 billion. The F-35A aircraft will replace the Belgian Air Force’s existing F-16 fleet. Additionally, 30 of the operational F-16s are planned to be transferred to Ukraine starting in 2026.
At the beginning of 2025, eight F-35s will be deployed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona for training purposes and are expected to be delivered to Belgium by the end of the year. In preparation for this, Belgium invested €275 million in modernizing hangars, simulators, maintenance centers, and operational buildings at Florennes and Kleine-Brogel air bases.
