Lockheed rolls out first Belgian F-35 but software hitch delays homecoming
Belgium's request to purchase 34 F-35As was approved by the US State Department in January 2018. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
Lockheed Martin has unveiled Belgium’s inaugural F-35, however, Technology Refresher 3 (TR-3) software setbacks have kept the fighter in the US which has impacted deployment and training plans.
Belgium has been presented its first F-35A fighter jet by Lockheed Martin during a rollout ceremony at the manufacturer's production facility.
‘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 Admiral Michel Hofman, chief of defence for the Belgian Armed Forces.
As Shephard previously reported, however, the fifth-generation fighters will not leave Lockheed Martin’s factory for Europe but for the US Air Force’s (USAF’s) Luke Air Force base where Belgian pilots
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![NSPA outlines next steps for NATO’s Next-Generation Rotorcraft Capability effort]()
NSPA outlines next steps for NATO’s Next-Generation Rotorcraft Capability effort
The NATO agency gave further updates on the next stages of its rotorcraft programme and timelines for the next three years, with the initiative aimed at replacing ageing medium-lift helicopters in various NATO countries.
-
![UK’s New Medium Helicopter deal finalisation on horizon, alludes Leonardo CEO]()
UK’s New Medium Helicopter deal finalisation on horizon, alludes Leonardo CEO
A potential announcement within days could end speculation around the UK Ministry of Defence’s procurement direction for the NMH programme.
-
![UK Royal Navy notes hybrid air wing progress with eyes on Peregrine drone development]()
UK Royal Navy notes hybrid air wing progress with eyes on Peregrine drone development
The Royal Navy’s Maritime Aviation Transformation (MATX) initiative aims to modernise aviation capabilities to use uncrewed systems where possible, supporting its goal of a hybrid air wing by 2040.
-
![Middle East UAV market underscored by $17bn in unsigned deals]()
Middle East UAV market underscored by $17bn in unsigned deals
While several UAV programmes remain unawarded in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is forecast to be the biggest spender with its potential MQ-9B and Gambit deals overshadowing others in the region.
-
![February Drone Digest: US manufacturers face the Gauntlet and find success abroad]()
February Drone Digest: US manufacturers face the Gauntlet and find success abroad
The US launched the Gauntlet test in February as part of its accelerated attack drone procurement effort while also exploring various naval capabilities that could lead to procurements down the line. Shield AI’s V-Bat, meanwhile, has been stirring up global interest.
-
![Leonardo UK “optimistic” on further Proteus funding, confirms international interest]()
Leonardo UK “optimistic” on further Proteus funding, confirms international interest
The Proteus demonstrator is being pitched as a key platform showcasing the UK’s capabilities to build autonomous systems, with Leonardo in ongoing discussions about the future of the programme with the Royal Navy and UK Ministry of Defence.
