Belgium to buy 11 additional F-35As and commit to FCAS as full partner
The new order boosts Belgium’s planned F-35A fleet to 45 aircraft. (Photo: USAF)
The aircraft acquisition and Future Combat Air System (FCAS) commitment comes as the country published its Strategic Defence Plan on 18 July, which also includes plans to invest in a surface-based air and missile defence system.
Belgium has committed to strengthen its crewed air capabilities with the confirmed purchase of 11 additional F-35A fighter aircraft as key part of its Strategic Defence Plan, published 18 July.
The country first approved the purchase of 34 F-35 aircraft to replace its 54 F-16 aircraft in 2018. The numbers of F-16 aircraft are expected to be fully reduced by the end of 2028, with the replacement for these aircraft having started in 2024.
Eight of the original 34 ordered aircraft have been delivered to the US for training, with the Belgian Air Force set to receive the first F-35A
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Industry makes strides on CCA programme as USAF makes nearly $1 billion funding request]()
Industry makes strides on CCA programme as USAF makes nearly $1 billion funding request
Anduril’s YFQ-44A has successfully undergone USAF experimental testing for Increment 1, while an engine has officially been selected for Northrop Grumman’s YFQ-48A – a potential candidate for Increment 2 of the air force’s CCA programme.
-
![Can UK interceptor efforts keep pace with the rising drone threat?]()
Can UK interceptor efforts keep pace with the rising drone threat?
The recent acquisition announcement for Cambridge Aerospace’s Skyhammer solution is a key step in the UK’s efforts to bolster its counter-UAS capabilities, but more still needs to be done to tackle even smaller drone threats.
-
![Denmark air focus: $2.64 billion UAV market blends US imports with Nordic cooperation]()
Denmark air focus: $2.64 billion UAV market blends US imports with Nordic cooperation
While Denmark appears to be more committed to UAVs than most of its Nordic neighbours, its procurement efforts are likely to be split between American-made systems for its larger requirements and Nordic partnerships for smaller platforms.
-
![Saab Gripen E/F: the multirole fighter that’s seeing a resurgence (updated 2026)]()
Saab Gripen E/F: the multirole fighter that’s seeing a resurgence (updated 2026)
The single-engine multirole fighter jet is seeing heightened demand with a sizeable orderbook and expanding export potential, as Shephard summarises the aircraft’s latest orders and developments.
