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Lockheed Martin officially presented Belgium’s first F-35A Lightning II to the Belgian government during a rollout ceremony at Lockheed Martin’s F-35 production facility. This event marks a significant milestone in the Belgian Air Force’s history and strengthens the alliance between the United States and Belgium, a key NATO ally.

“The introduction of the F-35 within the Belgian Air Force will enable us to continue to fulfil all our missions in the coming decades, in cooperation with our allies and partners in NATO, the EU and beyond,” said Chief of Defence for the Belgian Armed Forces, Admiral Michel Hofman.

Building on the F-16’s legacy, the F-35 will ensure the Belgian Air Force can fulfill its NATO missions and protect the alliance’s key interests. By serving as the most advanced 21st Century Security solution, the F-35 will connect assets across domains to increase situational awareness for Belgium and its key European partners. 

The F-35 creates high-quality, long-term employment opportunities for Belgium. Through the Essential Security Interest (ESI) program, Lockheed Martin will bring cutting-edge manufacturing techniques and benefits, expanding Belgian industry’s skills and knowledge and providing high-tech jobs for Belgians for decades to come.

Belgium’s program of record calls for 34 F-35As. The first aircraft, designated AY-01, will be delivered to the Belgian Air Force next year. In the meantime, it will be based at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, where F-35 international customers’ pilot and maintainer training takes place.

Senior government and military leaders from Belgium and the United States attended the ceremony.