Overview
- Belgium has begun accepting the 34 F-35s ordered in 2018 for about €5.6 billion to replace its F-16 fleet.
- The defense minister told parliament that talks are underway with Italy, Norway and the Netherlands to let Belgian pilots train in their airspace.
- Belgium’s limited training areas are described as insufficient for full F-35 instruction, leading to expanded reliance on flight simulators.
- One of the first four aircraft suffered a technical problem and remained in the Azores before Lockheed Martin support enabled onward delivery, with arrival confirmed on October 24.
- Residents near bases have raised noise concerns, with officials presenting overseas training and simulators as partial relief.