AviationNews – Belgium is making headlines again with its F‑35 Lightning II program—this time ordering 11 additional jets, boosting its fleet from 34 to 45 advanced fighters. The move comes after a political breakthrough in early July 2025, unlocking long-stalled defense commitments.
What Sparked the Decision?
Following a new coalition agreement in July, Economy Minister David Clarinval announced that Belgium would go ahead with the expansion. The extra jets are part of a broader package to ramp up defense spending to meet NATO’s 2% of GDP target sooner than previously planned.
How Much Is It Costing?
- The initial 34‑aircraft contract signed in 2018 cost around €4 billion, including infrastructure, maintenance support, and training.
- The new supplemental batch of 11 fighters is estimated to cost between €1 billion and €1.5 billion, according to Defense Minister Theo Francken.
Made in Europe?
Belgium has specifically requested that this second tranche be assembled in Italy at the Cameri FACO facility, rather than in the U.S., as a strategic move to boost European industrial participation. This aligns with broader EU defense financing rules and strengthens local aerospace jobs.
Delivery Timeline? Not Fast
Because production will take place in Italy—where output is limited to around 15 jets per year—deliveries are now expected after 2033, well after the first batch arrives (which is scheduled between late 2025 and 2030).
Why Belgium Needs Them
- Belgium is expected by NATO to operate at least 55 deployable F‑35As for air policing, nuclear-sharing duties (Kleine Brogel’s B61 bombs), and coalition deployments. Even with 45 jets, Belgium still falls short, but officials see it as a manageable compromise.
- They’re accelerating the timeline to raise defense readiness and plug airframe gaps as older F‑16s phase out—30 F‑16s are slated to be transferred to Ukraine starting in 2026.
Economic Spinoff: A Mixed Bag
Belgian officials originally predicted €4 billion in industrial returns, but by 2022 only €700 million had materialized. A revised offsets deal signed in 2024 aims to deliver €66 million annually over 40 years, totaling €2.7 billion. That’s still well below initial expectations—but supports local suppliers like SABCA, Asco, and ILIAS.
Quick Summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| New Jets | 11 additional F‑35A Lightning IIs |
| Total Fleet | 45 jets (up from 34) |
| Cost Estimate | €1–1.5 billion |
| Assembly Location | Cameri, Italy (for European status) |
| Expected Delivery | After 2033 |
| Purpose | NATO obligations: air policing, deterrence, nuclear sharing |
What It Means for Europe and NATO
This decision isn’t just about planes—it’s a strategic balancing act. Belgium is doubling down on U.S. systems to meet immediate defense needs while also investing in European production and future projects like SCAF. By sourcing assembly in Italy, it signals a desire for greater European defense autonomy within allied frameworks.
In short: the extra F‑35s are more than just reinforcements—they’re a political signal, a boost to local industry, and a necessary step toward a capable, interoperable Belgian Air Component that can meet NATO expectations.
