Defense & Military
Belgium Advances F-35 Acquisition with Delivery Delays and Training
Belgium receives initial F-35 jets amid technical delays, focusing on safety and training to achieve operational readiness by 2027.
The Arrival of Belgium’s F-35s: Progress, Delays, and Strategic Implications
The delivery of advanced fighter aircraft is a pivotal event for any nation seeking to modernize its air force. For Belgium, the arrival of the F-35A Lightning II jets marks a significant milestone in its multi-year military modernization program. This initiative is designed to replace the country’s aging fleet of F-16s, which have served as the backbone of the Belgian Air Force for over four decades. The transition to the F-35 platform reflects not only a technological leap but also a broader commitment to NATO interoperability and future defense readiness.
However, the process has not been without its challenges. The recent arrival of only three out of the first four scheduled F-35s at Florennes Air Base highlights both the complexity of integrating next-generation technology and the unpredictable nature of military procurement. Technical issues, software certification delays, and logistical hurdles have all played a role in shaping Belgium’s F-35 journey thus far. This article will explore the details of these developments, examine their implications, and provide a balanced perspective on the road ahead for Belgium’s air defense capabilities.
As we delve into the specifics, it becomes clear that while setbacks are inevitable in such ambitious defense projects, the overarching trend is one of progress and adaptation. Understanding the facts behind the headlines is essential to appreciating the broader significance of Belgium’s F-35 program.
Belgium’s F-35 Acquisition: Background and Milestones
The Decision to Modernize
In October 2018, the Belgian government made a strategic decision to purchase 34 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets from American defense contractor Lockheed Martin. This move was motivated by the need to replace the country’s fleet of F-16s, which have been in service for over 40 years and are increasingly viewed as obsolete in the face of modern aerial threats. The F-35A, with its stealth capabilities, advanced sensors, and networked warfare features, represents a substantial upgrade in terms of both technology and operational flexibility.
The acquisition is part of a broader military modernization plan, reflecting Belgium’s commitment to maintaining a credible defense posture within NATO. The original delivery schedule envisioned four F-35s arriving each year between 2023 and 2030, allowing for a phased transition and ample time for pilot training and logistical adaptation.
However, this timeline has been subject to several adjustments. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains and impacted subcontractors, leading to a rescheduling of the first batch of jets. Instead of the initial plan, the first two F-35s were slated for delivery at the end of 2023, with two more following in the first quarter of 2024.
Arrival and Initial Setbacks
On October 13, 2025, three of the first four F-35A fighter jets ordered by Belgium landed at Florennes Air Base. The arrival was marked by a formal ceremony attended by military personnel, members of the press, the public, and King Philippe of Belgium. This event underscored the symbolic and practical importance of the F-35 program for the nation’s defense strategy.
The fourth aircraft, however, was delayed during a stopover in the Azores due to what the Belgian Ministry of Defence described as “technical uncertainty regarding its airworthiness.” This cautious approach reflects the ministry’s prioritization of safety and operational reliability, especially given the high-profile nature of the program.
Major General Geert De Decker, Air Force Commander, emphasized that the decision to hold back the fourth jet was based on a strict focus on safety protocols. The incident serves as a reminder that the integration of advanced military technology often involves unforeseen technical challenges that must be addressed before full operational deployment.
“The decision to delay the fourth jet’s arrival reflects the ministry’s strict focus on safety,” Major General Geert De Decker, Belgian Air Force Commander
Training and Operational Readiness
Beyond the jets delivered to Belgium, eight additional F-35s are currently stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, USA. These aircraft are dedicated to the training of Belgian pilots, ensuring that personnel are fully prepared to operate and maintain the new platform. This approach allows Belgium to build a cadre of experienced F-35 operators before the jets become a routine presence in European airspace.
The Belgian Air Force has set ambitious targets for bringing the F-35 fleet to operational status. The goal is to achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC) by 2027, with Full Operational Capability (FOC) projected around 2030. These milestones are aligned with NATO requirements and are intended to ensure that Belgium can contribute effectively to collective defense missions.
The phased approach to training and deployment provides flexibility in addressing unforeseen technical or logistical issues, such as the recent delay experienced by the fourth jet. It also enables incremental learning and adaptation as the program matures.
Technical Challenges and Program Delays
The TR-3 Software and Hardware Issue
One of the most significant hurdles facing Belgium’s F-35 program has been the delay associated with the “Tech Refresh 3” (TR-3) hardware and software upgrade. In August 2023, the Belgian Ministry of Defence announced that it would not accept new F-35 deliveries until the TR-3 system was fully certified. This decision mirrored a similar stance taken by the United States government, which also paused deliveries pending successful certification of the new technology.
The TR-3 upgrade is critical because it enables a suite of new capabilities collectively referred to as Block 4. These enhancements are designed to improve the F-35’s ability to address evolving air and ground threats, making the aircraft more adaptable and future-proof. However, the complexity of integrating advanced hardware and software has led to delays in both production and delivery.
According to official statements, while the hardware for the first jets was expected to be ready by December 2023, the final delivery was contingent on software certification, which was estimated for the second quarter of 2024. The current delay involving the fourth jet, however, appears to be unrelated to the TR-3 issue, instead stemming from a separate technical concern identified during transit.
Implications for Operational Capability
Delays in the delivery and certification of critical upgrades can have cascading effects on a nation’s defense planning. For Belgium, the postponement of F-35 deliveries has required adjustments to training schedules, maintenance planning, and operational readiness timelines. However, the Ministry of Defence has maintained that safety and long-term reliability are paramount, even if this means accepting short-term disruptions.
The situation also underscores the interdependence of international defense procurement. Belgium’s decision to pause deliveries in alignment with the US reflects the collaborative nature of the F-35 program, which involves multiple partner nations and a global supply chain. Such coordination is essential for maintaining common standards and ensuring interoperability among allied air forces.
Expert opinions suggest that while delays are frustrating, they are not uncommon in large-scale military acquisition programs. Prioritizing thorough testing and certification ultimately reduces the risk of more serious issues emerging during operational use.
“The Belgian Defence Ministry’s decision to wait for TR-3 certification is a logical step, following the lead of the US government and prioritizing long-term capabilities over immediate delivery.”
Looking Ahead: Future Developments
With the arrival of the first F-35s in Belgium and ongoing training in the United States, the focus now shifts to achieving operational milestones and integrating the new jets into the national defense strategy. The Belgian Air Force’s target of reaching IOC by 2027 remains ambitious but feasible, provided that technical and logistical challenges are managed effectively.
The program’s progress will be closely watched by other nations considering similar upgrades, as well as by stakeholders within NATO. Lessons learned from Belgium’s experience could inform best practices for balancing technological innovation with operational reliability.
As the F-35 program matures, ongoing software and hardware updates are expected to further enhance the platform’s capabilities. The adaptability of the F-35 is one of its key selling points, and Belgium’s phased approach to adoption positions it to benefit from future advancements as they become available.
Conclusion: Navigating Complexity in Defense Modernization
Belgium’s F-35 acquisition program illustrates both the opportunities and challenges inherent in modernizing a national air force. While the arrival of three out of the first four jets is a cause for celebration, the delay of the fourth aircraft serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in integrating cutting-edge technology. The program’s cautious approach to safety and certification reflects a commitment to long-term operational success, even at the cost of short-term setbacks.
Looking ahead, the Belgian Air Force is well positioned to achieve its operational goals, provided that it continues to prioritize rigorous testing, training, and collaboration with international partners. The experience gained through the F-35 program will not only strengthen Belgium’s defense capabilities but also contribute to the broader evolution of NATO’s air power in the years to come.
FAQ
Question: Why did only three of the first four F-35s arrive in Belgium?
Answer: The fourth jet was delayed due to a technical issue identified during a stopover in the Azores. The Belgian Ministry of Defence cited “technical uncertainty regarding its airworthiness” as the reason for the delay.
Question: What is the significance of the TR-3 upgrade for the F-35?
Answer: The TR-3 (Tech Refresh 3) upgrade is essential for enabling new capabilities in the F-35, collectively known as Block 4. These enhancements improve the aircraft’s ability to address modern threats and ensure future adaptability.
Question: When will Belgium’s F-35s reach full operational capability?
Answer: The Belgian Air Force aims to achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC) by 2027 and Full Operational Capability (FOC) around 2030.
Question: How many F-35s has Belgium ordered in total?
Answer: Belgium has ordered a total of 34 F-35A fighter jets from Lockheed Martin.
Question: Where are Belgian F-35 pilots being trained?
Answer: Eight Belgian F-35s are stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, USA, where they are used for the training of Belgian pilots.
Sources
Photo Credit: Belgian Defense
Defense & Military
RCAF Accepts First Two CF-35A Fighters at Luke Air Force Base
Canada takes delivery of CF-35A fighters AR-1 and AR-2 at Luke AFB as its C$19B procurement program remains under review.
This is original reporting and analysis by AirPro News.
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) officially accepted delivery of its first two Lockheed Martin CF-35A Lightning II stealth fighters at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona on October 22, 2026, marking the physical introduction of the fifth-generation platform into the Canadian military.
The handover of the aircraft, designated AR-1 and AR-2, proceeds even as the broader C$19 billion procurement program remains in political limbo. Following trade and diplomatic tensions with the United States, Prime Minister Mark Carney initiated a formal review of the 88-aircraft purchase in March 2025, leaving the ultimate size and composition of Canada’s future fighter fleet unconfirmed.
Initial training operations in Arizona
The first two CF-35As will remain stationed at Luke Air Force Base to support the initial training cadre of Canadian instructor pilots and maintainers. The Arizona installation serves as a primary international training hub for the F-35 platform, hosting multiple allied nations. According to the Department of National Defence (DND), a total of eight Canadian jets are planned to be based at the facility through 2026 and 2027.
The delivery occurred exactly one month after the first Canadian aircraft completed its maiden flight at Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 23, 2026. In an official statement regarding the delivery, the RCAF noted that the arrival of the jets represents a foundational step, adding that the future of air and space power is built on more than equipment alone.
Procurement review and fleet uncertainty
Canada has been a partner in the Joint Strike Fighter program since 1997. After years of political debate and a reset of the procurement process, the Canadian government selected the F-35A in 2022 over the Saab Gripen E to replace its aging McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet fleet. The CF-18 has been in service since the 1980s and is slated for retirement in the early 2030s. In January 2023, Ottawa finalized the agreement to purchase 88 F-35As.
The procurement trajectory shifted in March 2025 when Prime Minister Carney ordered a formal review of the acquisition. Currently, only 16 of the 88 jets are firmly committed and funded. Minister of National Defence David McGuinty confirmed the ongoing evaluation, stating that the question of the F-35 remains under review and that both he and the prime minister are highly engaged in the issue alongside the emerging Defence Investment Agency.
The government is actively evaluating the possibility of operating a mixed fighter fleet. This approach could integrate Saab Gripen E fighters alongside a smaller number of F-35s, reopening a competition that Saab had previously lost during the Future Fighter Capability Project selection.
Path to operational capability
Despite the political uncertainty surrounding the final fleet size, the RCAF continues to execute its transition plan for the funded aircraft. The first CF-35As are scheduled to arrive on Canadian soil at 4 Wing Cold Lake in Alberta in 2028.
The air force plans to declare Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the CF-35A fleet between 2029 and 2030. This timeline aligns with the necessary infrastructure upgrades at Canadian bases and the completion of initial pilot and maintainer training in the United States.
AirPro News analysis
Canada’s ongoing review of the F-35 program is highly unusual for a Tier 3 partner at this late stage of procurement. While the physical delivery of AR-1 and AR-2 ensures the RCAF can begin building its fifth-generation institutional knowledge, the potential pivot to a mixed fleet introduces significant logistical and interoperability questions. Operating both the CF-35A and the Saab Gripen E would require maintaining two distinct supply chains, training pipelines, and maintenance infrastructures. We note that these dual-fleet requirements could potentially offset the initial acquisition savings of a split purchase, complicating the RCAF’s transition away from the CF-18 Hornet.
Photo Credit: Royal Canadian Air Force
Defense & Military
U.S. Army Validates AH-64E Apache Maritime Lifting Sling
The U.S. Army validated a lifting sling for the AH-64E Apache, enabling crane-based maritime loading with rotor blades folded.
The U.S. Army has successfully validated a prototype lifting sling for the Boeing AH-64E Apache, clearing the attack helicopter for crane-based maritime loading and unloading with its main rotor blades folded.
Announced on October 21, 2026, by the Apache Helicopter Project Office, the validation fulfills the final transportability requirement outlined in the aircraft’s Capability Production Document (CPD). The milestone significantly expands the Army’s expeditionary logistics options by reducing reliance on specialized port infrastructure.
Expanding maritime logistics capabilities
Prior to this validation, maritime deployment of the Apache fleet often depended on Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) vessels or specialized dock facilities equipped with ramps capable of supporting towed aircraft. The new sling, engineered by industry partner ASRC Federal, allows the AH-64E to be hoisted using standard harbor and shipboard cranes.
This Lift-On/Lift-Off (LOLO) capability mitigates transit bottlenecks and lowers vessel charter costs by opening access to a wider range of global seaports. The U.S. Army stated that the ability to load and unload the aircraft with its main rotor blades folded is a major milestone for expeditionary mobility.
Prototype validation and next steps
The validation exercise took place at Fort Hood, Texas, overseen by the Apache Project Management Transportability Team based at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. During the testing, the team successfully demonstrated the safe hoisting of the AH-64E using the ASRC Federal prototype hardware.
Following the exercise, the test team identified minor adjustments required before full production. These modifications include the addition of protective padding to prevent the hoisting cable from contacting the main rotor blades during lifting operations. Once these adjustments are validated, ASRC Federal will manufacture and deliver five contracted production prototypes to the U.S. Army.
The AH-64E Apache global footprint
Manufactured by The Boeing Company, the AH-64 Apache has served as the primary attack helicopters for the U.S. Army since 1984. The AH-64E is the latest variant, featuring upgraded sensors, software, and weapons performance. The U.S. Army is currently modernizing its fleet to the AH-64E Version 6.5 standard while gradually retiring older AH-64D models.
The global Apache fleet consists of more than 1,280 aircraft operating across 19 defense forces. In March 2023, Boeing reported the U.S. Army fleet had surpassed 5 million total flight hours.
International demand for the platform remains active. On August 11, 2026, Boeing signed offset agreements with Polish industry partners to build a long-term sustainment infrastructure supporting Poland’s incoming fleet of 96 AH-64E helicopters.
AirPro News analysis
The shift from RORO dependency to LOLO capability represents a critical logistical upgrade for U.S. Army aviation. As military planners focus on distributed operations and expeditionary mobility, the ability to utilize commercial container ports and standard maritime cranes reduces reliance on specialized military sealift vessels. This transportability milestone ensures the AH-64E can be deployed more rapidly and flexibly in contested or infrastructure-limited theaters.
Photo Credit: United States Army – Courtesy
Defense & Military
GA-ASI and Spirit Defense Partner on FQ-42 Vengeance CCA
GA-ASI and Spirit Defense team up to manufacture the FQ-42 Vengeance airframe as the USAF targets 500 CCAs by 2032.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and Spirit Defense have formed a strategic partnership to manufacture the airframe for the U.S. Air Force’s FQ-42 Vengeance Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).
Announced in an October 23, 2026, press release, the agreement designates Spirit Defense, a Boeing Company, as a fuselage design-build partner. The collaboration aims to expand manufacturing capacity and establish production resilience as the U.S. Air Force (USAF) accelerates its uncrewed fighter program toward a goal of fielding hundreds of aircraft by the next decade.
Scaling production for the uncrewed fleet
The partnership connects GA-ASI headquarters in San Diego, California, with Spirit Defense operations in Wichita, Kansas. Spirit Defense operates as an independent supplier to the defense industry, providing engineering, manufacturing, and lifecycle support for military programs. By integrating Spirit Defense into the supply chain, GA-ASI intends to reduce the risk of single points of failure and increase the industrial depth required for high-volume production.
GA-ASI recently completed a new low-observable paint facility to support the CCA program and stated it is currently positioned to deliver six aircraft per month to meet initial USAF objectives. The addition of Spirit Defense is designed to scale that output further.
David R. Alexander, President of GA-ASI, highlighted the strategic necessity of the agreement in meeting military requirements.
“We’re excited to be working with Spirit Defense. We’ve established our proven design, development, and manufacturing capability for the FQ-42. With Spirit Defense we add capacity, which is exactly the kind of production resilience our U.S. Air Force customer is looking for with its CCA ramp-up. This kind of partnership represents the scalable industrial base the Air Force and the U.S. Department of [Defense] are looking for from industry.”
Keith Schrader, President and CEO of Spirit Defense, confirmed the company’s readiness to support the airframe build.
“We’re proud to bring deep manufacturing expertise and proven capabilities to this important program. Our team understands the responsibility that comes with supporting critical national defense programs, and we’re ready to deliver for our customer and the warfighter.”
The FQ-42 Vengeance in testing and evaluation
The FQ-42 Vengeance is a purpose-built, fifth-generation uncrewed fighter developed to operate alongside crewed aircraft in semi-autonomous combat roles. The design features an internal weapons bay, low observability, and a modular architecture intended for the rapid integration of mission systems and autonomy software.
On September 18, 2026, GA-ASI delivered a new FQ-42 Vengeance to Creech Air Force Base in Nevada to support continued USAF test, evaluation, and experimentation. The aircraft has already participated in formation flights with crewed fighters, including the F-35 Lightning II and the F-15E Strike Eagle.
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink officially named the aircraft “Vengeance” on September 14, 2026. The aircraft was previously known internally as Dark Merlin. During the naming announcement, Meink emphasized the rapid pace of the acquisition program.
“Today, the first FQ-42 and FQ-44 increments are already rolling off the assembly line,” Meink stated. “They’ll be performing many of the same missions that we do with manned fighters today.”
Evolution of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft initiative
The USAF Collaborative Combat Aircraft program is designed to field affordable, semi-autonomous drones to augment crewed fighter squadrons. The target unit cost for the aircraft at full-rate production is approximately $20 million.
GA-ASI was selected by the USAF in April 2024 to build production-representative flight test articles for the program. The FQ-42 Vengeance completed its maiden flight in August 2025, and GA-ASI secured an initial production contract from the USAF in June 2026. The FQ-42 is one of two primary designs selected for the first increment of CCA production, alongside Anduril Industries’ FQ-44 Fury.
The scope of the CCA program has expanded significantly since its inception. Initial projections called for 150 aircraft, but on September 14, 2026, the USAF confirmed a revised goal to field at least 500 Collaborative Combat Aircraft by 2032.
Mike Shortsleeve, Vice President for Strategy Business Development at GA-ASI, addressed the increased production targets following the USAF announcement.
“The intent for them is to go up to as many as 500 aircraft by 2032,” Shortsleeve said. “We’re ready to do that production.”
GA-ASI has operated as a sole manufacturer of its Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) line since its founding in 1992. Over 30 years, the company’s Predator line has logged more than 9 million flight hours across platforms including the MQ-1C Gray Eagle, MQ-9A Reaper, MQ-9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian, and the MQ-20 Avenger.
Beyond the domestic FQ-42 program, GA-ASI is engaged in discussions with international militaries regarding the Gambit Series. The Gambit Series is a family of modular CCAs derived from the FQ-42, the XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station, and the MQ-20 Avenger, optimized for electronic warfare, suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses, and stand-off precision strike missions.
AirPro News analysis
The partnership between GA-ASI and Spirit Defense illustrates the central challenge of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program: industrial capacity. Designing a capable uncrewed fighter is only half the mandate; the other half is manufacturing it at a scale and price point that traditional defense primes have struggled to achieve with crewed aircraft. By bringing a Boeing subsidiary into the fold for fuselage production, GA-ASI is signaling to the Department of Defense that it can meet the aggressive 2032 target of 500 aircraft without requiring massive, unilateral capital expenditure.
This distributed manufacturing approach also directly addresses the Pentagon’s ongoing concerns regarding supply chain fragility. Relying on a single facility in San Diego for a critical next-generation platform presents a strategic vulnerability. Distributing the airframe build to Wichita builds redundancy into the program while leveraging existing aerospace manufacturing infrastructure, a model that will likely become standard as the USAF pushes for higher volumes of attritable or semi-attritable autonomous systems.
Photo Credit: General Atomics
-
Business Aviation3 days agoDTA Aircraft JP1 eVTOL Targets April 2027 US Flight Testing
-
Regulations & Safety2 days agoFAA Launches MedGuide Medication Database for Aviators
-
Business Aviation3 days agoCivil Air Patrol Orders 21 Cessna Aircraft From Textron Aviation
-
Space & Satellites2 days agoBAE Systems Acquires Colorado Facility for Space Hardware
-
Business Aviation3 days agoUniversal Aviation Rebrands as Affinity Aviation at NBAA 2026