The first Lockheed Martin F-35A for the Belgian Air Component touched down at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona on Dec. 3. This marked the beginning of a new era for the Belgian Air Component as they transition from the F-16 Fighting Falcon to the advanced F-35A Lightning II. The arrival represents a significant leap forward for the Belgian Air Component, equipping them with fifth-generation fighter capabilities.
Belgium chose the F-35A back in 2018 to replace their fleet of 54 F-16s. Production of the first Belgian F-35, designated AY-01, started in 2022. The jet rolled out at a ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas, in 2023. Now, the first cadre of Belgian pilots have arrived at Luke AFB to begin training.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jason Wall, commander of the 312th Fighter Squadron, piloted the first F-35A into Luke AFB. The 312th Fighter Squadron, responsible for training Belgian pilots, are awaiting a new building to enhance their training capabilities. Meanwhile, experienced Belgian pilots are participating in the Simulator Subject Matter Expert course. This will prepare them to establish an academic training centre back in Belgium.
Lt. Col. Wall emphasised the robust partnership between Belgium and the United States. He said, “What’s been so neat over the last few years is understanding how close of allies Belgium is with the United States and our shared NATO partnership in Europe”.
Belgian Air Component Lt. Col. Pierre-Yves Libert, the 312th Fighter Squadron’s senior national representative, also expressed his enthusiasm. He said, “It’s a historic day for the Belgian Air Component. Our first jet just landed at Luke AFB, marking the start of our training period. A lot of work has gone into making this moment possible and we are excited to begin flying and complete our training.”
The collaborative effort between Belgium and the U.S. to establish this new fighter squadron highlights their shared defence objectives within NATO. It goes beyond just training pilots. The two nations are working together to enhance operational readiness and strengthen their NATO alliance.
More Belgian F-35As will arrive at Luke AFB over the next few months.
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