In a complicated international context, Belgium is welcoming its first F-35s, which promise a new and essential era for our Defence.
In an uncertain world, our country cannot remain a bystander: we need a modern defence capable of meeting tomorrow's challenges. These expenditures reflect a choice of responsibility, driven by the security of our citizens, the credibility of our country within NATO and the will to preserve our economic interests
1. Context
The Florennes air base welcomed its first F-35s this Monday, 13 October, which will eventually replace the F-16s. The first three aircraft landed in Belgium this week, the fourth had a minor technical issue and will arrive shortly.
The acquisition of 34 F-35s was concluded in 2018 by the Michel government. The tender had indeed been launched in 2017 to renew the Belgian fleet of fighter jets.
The purchase of these aircraft cost €3.8 billion and rises to €6 billion including training, maintenance and infrastructure.
The F-35s should carry out their first missions in 2027 and reach full capability around 2029-2030. The other aircraft will arrive later; they are currently stationed in the United States for the training of pilots and technicians.
The Arizona government has also decided to purchase eleven additional aircraft (to be delivered between 2029 and 2031). This new acquisition is included in the 2026-2034 military programming law, which must be adopted by the federal Parliament before the end of the year.
These various purchases meet NATO's requirements, which demand that our country have a fleet capable of fulfilling its collective defence and deterrence missions.
Characteristics of the F-35s
Experts and the defence world emphasise it: the F-35 symbolises a new era for Defence.
Two words very often characterise the fighter jet: stealth and technological innovation. This fifth-generation aircraft (fourth for the F-16) is designed to evade radar detection (unlike the F-16). The cockpit is entirely digital, giving the pilot a 360° view of the surrounding environment. Moreover, its capabilities for data collection and real-time information exchange between aircraft are impressive and bring a different approach.
In Florennes, the new aircraft will also be grouped together in a new, highly secure complex, as the old facilities from the 1950s and 1960s no longer meet the requirements of a modern fighter jet such as the F-35.
At European level, 700 F-35s will protect the airspace within a few years, as other European countries have also decided to equip themselves with this aircraft.
Is Belgian airspace too small for F-35 training?
Yes, but this is not solely a problem caused by the F-35s: it is a challenge that Belgian Defence has faced for a long time. This was indeed already the case for the F-16s, even though, as already indicated, the F-35 has additional requirements.
Belgium is currently in talks with certain countries (notably the Netherlands, Italy and Norway) so that pilots can train within their airspace and over the North Sea. This would also help reduce noise nuisance for citizens.
Economic benefits for Belgium
The economic benefits for Belgian industry are also significant. For example, the companies Safran Aero Boosters and BMT Aerospace have signed a contract to produce engine components for the F-35s. The Belgian aerospace group Orizio, for its part, signed a letter of intent on Monday for an expanded partnership with Lockheed Martin.
2. More broadly, an investment plan in an uncertain world
Since 2014, NATO member states have agreed on a spending trajectory setting the defence spending standard at 2% of each country's GDP over 10 years. In 2024, a quarter of members (8 out of 32), including Belgium (1.3%), had not yet reached this 2% spending threshold.
Over the summer, the federal government agreed on the Belgian military strategy, which provides for accelerating defence investments to 2% of GDP from this legislature onwards (with a target of 2.5% of GDP by 2034, accompanied by an evaluation clause planned for 2029).
The plan spans the next ten years, until 2035, with a budget of €34 billion for material investments (notably the purchase of the eleven new F-35s). Further investments are planned in intelligence, technology and cybersecurity, communication, as well as in recruiting more military personnel across the various branches of Defence.
This strategic choice reflects a changing world, where threats are numerous and evolving. Strengthening our national security is a responsibility that the MR fully embraces, without placing new burdens on citizens. The budgetary effort will be financed without any tax increase.
It should be noted, however, that given the current international situation, particularly on Europe's borders, NATO members decided in June 2025 to revise the spending standard to 5% of GDP (3.5% for pure defence and 1.5% for, for example, the protection of critical infrastructure; spending on military and industrial support to Ukraine can be counted as a contribution towards the 5%).
3. The weight of Defence in federal State spending
Criticism is often heard regarding the defence budget, which is indeed increasing, but what does it actually represent? In 2024, figures from the FPS Policy and Support show that €2.2 billion was allocated directly to Defence (compared with €67.1 billion for pensions, €14.2 billion for sickness and disability benefits, or €37.8 billion for healthcare).
Given the uncertain world in which we live, it is essential to ensure the defence of the territory, to contribute to deterrence, and to remain operational while transforming and modernising. These expenditures reflect a choice of responsibility, driven by the security of our citizens, the credibility of our country within NATO, and the will to preserve our economic interests.