Belgium commits to larger F‑35 fleet despite NATO concerns
According to the Army Recognition portal, the Belgian authorities have decided to purchase additional F-35 fighters. Despite recent unsettling actions by the U.S. administration and concerns over Europe's heavy reliance on American weaponry, the Belgians see the purchase of more F-35s as a necessary step.
Experts dismiss the possibility of a complete remote shutdown of the F-35, but questions remain about whether the United States has other options to reduce the combat capabilities of F-35s in other countries. As a result, countries such as Canada and Portugal are considering withdrawing from purchasing the F-35.
Belgium wants additional F-35s
In Belgium, such deliberations will no longer occur. Defence Minister Theo Francken stated, "the mythical emergency switch does not exist," and the purchase of additional F-35 fighters was confirmed during a parliamentary session by Prime Minister Bart De Wever. He did not specify the number of units, but according to Army Recognition, there will be 11.
The portal also notes that the fighters may be produced not in the USA (as was the case with the F-35s the Belgians previously ordered), but in Italy. The Belgians hope this will reduce dependence on the American supply chain and potentially create new jobs in Europe.
Modern 5th generation fighter
Currently, the U.S. is producing the 34 F-35s that Belgium ordered in 2018. This resulted partly from the necessity to have aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons and fulfilling NATO's nuclear plans.
Initially, it was assumed that the first of these aircraft would arrive in Belgium in 2023. However, the timeline was first pushed to the end of 2024, and ultimately to 2025. It is currently estimated that the full operational readiness of the 34 Belgian F-35s will only be achieved by the end of 2030.
In the Belgian Air Force, the F-35s will replace the retiring F-16 fighters, some of which will be transferred to Ukraine. The F-35 is a more modern, multi-role 5th generation fighter with reduced detectability (so-called stealth technology). It is capable of conducting electronic warfare and carrying several tonnes of conventional weaponry. It can reach speeds of about 1.6 Mach (approximately 2,000 km/h) and operate at altitudes of about 15,000 metres.
Among the countries awaiting F-35 deliveries is Poland, which has ordered 32 units.
