The jets, manufactured by US defence company Lockheed Martin, flew over the air base before landing shortly after 15:15, where they were welcomed by military personnel, press, and members of the public. King Philippe of Belgium and Defence Minister Theo Francken attended the event, which was held under heightened security to prevent drone incursions.
Certified techs 🔧 | Mission-ready F-35s ✈️
📷Defense – Lockheed Martin pic.twitter.com/tvkyxxpHTk
— Belgian Air Force🇧🇪 (@BeAirForce) October 7, 2025
Four jets had initially departed from Fort Worth, Texas, with a stopover in the Azores, where one aircraft was held back due to the technical issue. “Technical uncertainty regarding its airworthiness,” was cited by the ministry, and Air Force Commander Major General Geert De Decker stated the decision reflected the ministry’s strict focus on safety.
These three aircraft are the first to arrive in Belgium, although eight F-35s bearing the Belgian flag are already stationed at Luke Air Force Base in the United States. Those aircraft remain there for the training of Belgian fighter pilots undergoing conversion to the new platform.
Belgium has ordered a total of 45 F-35s as part of its modernisation programme, acquiring a fifth-generation multirole fighter capable of performing several types of missions within a single sortie. The arrival of the jets marks a significant upgrade in the operational capabilities of the Belgian Air Force.
