Lockheed Martin begins assembly of first F-35 Lightning II fighter jet for Belgian Air Force

Lockheed Martin has begun assembling the first fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter for Belgium at a plant in Texas.

Here's What We Know

The debut aircraft will be ready by the end of next year, but will remain in the United States to train personnel. The Belgian Air Force will begin receiving F-35 Lightning II fighters in 2025. They will replace the F-16 Fighting Falcon, which will expire between 2023 and 2028.

The Belgian F-35 fleet will reach initial combat readiness in mid-2027. The fifth-generation fighters are scheduled to reach full combat readiness by the end of 2030.

Belgium announced its desire to purchase the F-35A Lightning II in 2017. The final purchase decision was made in fall 2018, more than six months after the potential deal was approved by the U.S. State Department.

Belgium has ordered 34 fighter jets and 38 Pratt & Whitney F-135 engines. The contract, worth more than $5 billion, will also include delivery of electronic warfare systems and related equipment.

Source: Defensie

Image: 33rd Fighter Wing