F-35 Lightning II news https://www.f-16.net/ F-16 Fighting Falcon news brought to you by F-16.net en-us F-16 Fighting Falcon news https://www.f-16.net/graphics/f16.gif https://www.f-16.net/ webmaster@f-16.net Three more Belgian F-35As arrive at Florennes, clearing way for F-16 transfers to Ukraine Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 EST September 27, 2026 (by Lieven Dewitte) - Three additional Belgian F-35A fighter jets have arrived at Florennes AB, bringing the number of F-35As physically present in Belgium to seven and accelerating the phased withdrawal of the country’s F-16 fleet ahead of planned transfers to Ukraine.
One of the three F-35A's #FL016 recently delivered to Belgium. [BAF photo]
One of the three F-35A's #FL016 recently delivered to Belgium. [BAF photo]
The three aircraft (s/n FL013, FL015 and FL016) landed at Florennes on the afternoon of Friday, 25 September 2026, shortly after 14:30h local time, following a transatlantic ferry flight from the United States with a refuelling stop in the Azores. The flight was supported by two U.S. Air Force KC-135 tankers.

The jets join the four F-35As that arrived at Florennes in October 2025, where Belgium’s 1st Squadron is introducing the type into service. Another Belgian F-35A (#FL014) is expected to arrive before the end of 2026, which would bring the home-based fleet at Florennes to eight aircraft.

Eight more (FL001 to FL008) are based at Luke AFB, Az. for the conversion of the Belgian Air Force pilots. Belgium ordered in total 34 F-35A's in 2018 to replace its fleet of F-16s, with full delivery and full combat readiness scheduled to be completed by 2030. The Belgian F-35As are currently expected to be ready for rapid-response operations as early as 2027.

F-16 phase-out and Ukraine transfers
The arrival of new F-35As in the Belgian Air Force will determine the pace at which Belgium transfers F-16s to Ukraine. As F-35s are delivered, Belgium will gradually decommission its F-16 fighter jets and transfer them to Ukraine.

By the end of 2026, Belgium plans to transfer seven F-16s to Ukraine: three for combat use and four as a source of spare parts. In total, Belgium plans to transfer all 53 of its F-16s to Ukraine by the end of 2029.

Under the timeline given by Belgium earlier this year, the delivery of the first seven F-16s should take place this year. These are likely to include three combat-capable aircraft and four non-operational Falcons for spare parts. Another five are expected to head to Ukraine in 2027. This will rise to 14 in 2028 and the remaining 27 in 2029.

Strategic context
Belgium’s pledge to transfer all 53 remaining F-16AM/BM fighters to Ukraine is a mechanical consequence of Lockheed Martin’s delivery schedule for 34 F-35A aircraft. Consequently, Kyiv is now slated to receive an initial tranche of combat-ready and spare-parts F-16s by late 2026, followed by a sustained throughput that will make Belgium the single largest European donor of the airframe, although the ultimate operational impact remains tethered to the continued, uninterrupted delivery of the remaining contracted F-35s from Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth assembly lines.

The initial tranche of seven F-16s to Ukraine by end-2026—three combat-ready, four designated for spare parts—represents the leading edge of a release protocol constrained not by political will but by NATO Article 5 obligations.

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BAF F-35A #FL016 is seen prior to application of the national markings at NAS Fort Worth on August 20th, 2026. [Photo by Keith Snyder]
BAF F-35A #FL016 is seen prior to application of the national markings at NAS Fort Worth on August 20th, 2026. [Photo by Keith Snyder]
BAF F-35A #FL013 is coming in for landing after a local test flight at NAS Fort Worth on August 13th, 2026. [Photo by Keith Snyder]
BAF F-35A #FL013 is coming in for landing after a local test flight at NAS Fort Worth on August 13th, 2026. [Photo by Keith Snyder]
BAF F-35A #FL015 is coming in for landing after a local test flight at NAS Fort Worth on August 24th, 2026. [Photo by Keith Snyder]
BAF F-35A #FL015 is coming in for landing after a local test flight at NAS Fort Worth on August 24th, 2026. [Photo by Keith Snyder]
]]> https://www.f-16.net/f-35-news-article4964.html Canada’s first CF-35A completes maiden flight in Texas Wed, 23 Sep 2026 00:00:00 EST September 23, 2026 (by Lieven Dewitte) - Canada’s first F-35A Lightning II, destined for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as the CF-35A, has completed its maiden flight from Lockheed Martin’s production facility at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, on 23 September 2026.
RCAF F-35A #35A001 seen on final for a touch and go following its first flight on September 23rd, 2026. [Photo by Tim Wurth]
RCAF F-35A #35A001 seen on final for a touch and go following its first flight on September 23rd, 2026. [Photo by Tim Wurth]
The aircraft, construction number AR-1, took off at around 12:00h local time and flew accompanied by an F-35C acting as a safety chase. Photographers at Fort Worth captured the sortie, which occurred without an official public announcement or ceremony.

The RCAF confirmed that the flight took place but did not issue a formal statement or press release. The sortie marks a production and testing milestone rather than an operational entry into Canadian service.

Delivery and training timeline
The first Canadian-designated F-35s are scheduled to be delivered to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona before the end of 2026 to support Canadian pilot training. The initial eight aircraft are to be delivered in 2026–2027 for this purpose.

The first F-35s are expected to arrive in Canada in 2028, with the first aircraft on home soil planned for Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake. Initial Operational Capability (IOC) of a CF-35A squadron is anticipated in 2029–2030, and Full Operational Capability (FOC) is targeted for 2033–2034.

Procurement context
Canada finalized an agreement in January 2023 to acquire 88 F-35A fighter jets to replace the aging CF-188 Hornet fleet. However, the government has ordered a review of the broader procurement, and as of September 2026, Ottawa is contractually committed to only the first 16 aircraft.

Despite the ongoing review and political debate, the first F-35As are still scheduled to arrive this year for training in Arizona. Canadian pilots are expected to begin training on the aircraft at Luke Air Force Base, even as the government continues to evaluate the future of the full 88-jet program.

Side note: Mixed fleet considerations
In parallel with the F-35 program, Canada is examining options for a mixed fleet that could combine Lockheed Martin F-35As with Saab Gripen E fighters. Defence officials have indicated that Ottawa remains committed to the initial 16 F-35As while exploring whether to expand the fleet with additional aircraft, potentially including up to 72 Gripen Es assembled in Canada.

This approach would see the F-35 serving as the high-end, stealth component of Canada’s future fighter force, while the Gripen could provide additional capacity for lower-intensity missions and domestic operations. The final decision on the overall fleet composition remains pending as the government’s review continues.

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]]> https://www.f-16.net/f-35-news-article4963.html Marine Corps F-35B STOVL crashes at MCAS Miramar, pilot ejects safely Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:00:00 EST August 1, 2026 (by Lieven Dewitte) - A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II has crashed on the flightline at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, after the pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft. The mishap occurred on the morning of 31 July 2026, sending a large plume of black smoke into the sky and sparking a brush fire that was quickly contained by emergency crews.
USMC F-35B #168728 at the MCAS Miramar air show on October 2nd, 2015. [Photo by Roger Smith]
A USMC F-35B at the MCAS Miramar air show on October 2nd, 2015
The pilot successfully ejected using the aircraft's Martin-Baker ejection seat and was transported to a local medical facility in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.

Emergency personnel responded to the aircraft mishap at approximately 10:00 a.m. local time on 31 July 2026. The F-35B was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, which is headquartered at MCAS Miramar. The base, located about 14 miles north of downtown San Diego, is famously known as the former home of the Navy's TOPGUN fighter weapons school and has been a key hub for F-35B operations on the West Coast, hosting multiple squadrons and supporting training missions for Marine pilots transitioning to the fifth-generation fighter. The base's proximity to extensive training ranges over the Pacific Ocean makes it an ideal location for F-35B operations.

Video footage from the scene showed the charred remains of the F-35B surrounded by burnt grass, with firefighting vehicles working to extinguish the flames.

Eyewitnesses on the base reported seeing two fighter jets conducting training exercises before the crash. According to one observer, the first jet landed safely, but the second appeared to experience trouble during its approach. The eyewitness described the jet's tail dropping too low, the aircraft skidding on the runway, and moments later the pilot ejecting.

The U.S. Marine Corps has classified the crash as a Class A mishap, the highest category for military aviation accidents. This designation is used when an aircraft is destroyed, damage exceeds $2 million, or a service member is killed.

This incident marks the second major crash involving an F-35 this year since the crash of an F-35A from Nellis AFB, north of the base near Las Vegas, Nevada.

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USMC F-35B #170577 is seen on a local test flight at NAS Fort Worth on August 25th, 2025. [Photo by Keith Snyder]
USMC F-35B #170577 is seen on a local test flight at NAS Fort Worth on August 25th, 2025. [Photo by Keith Snyder]
USMC F-35B #169594 from VMFAT-501 coded 'VM-33' is spotted hoovering at MCAS Beaufort on April 28th, 2019. [Photo by Tim Doherty]
USMC F-35B #169594 from VMFAT-501 coded 'VM-33' is spotted hoovering at MCAS Beaufort on April 28th, 2019. [Photo by Tim Doherty]
USMC F-35B #168721 from VFMA-121 is seen at MCAS Miramar on July 30th, 2013. The Lightning II is the Marine Corps’ newest aircraft and is capable of short take-off and vertical landing. [USMC photo by LCpl. Melissa Lee]
USMC F-35B #168721 from VFMA-121 is seen at MCAS Miramar on July 30th, 2013. The Lightning II is the Marine Corps’ newest aircraft and is capable of short take-off and vertical landing. [USMC photo by LCpl. Melissa Lee]
]]> https://www.f-16.net/f-35-news-article4962.html First Europe-assembled F-35A “Husarz” completes maiden flight in Italy Thu, 23 Jul 2026 00:00:00 EST July 23, 2026 (by Lieven Dewitte) - For the first time, a Polish F-35A has taken to the skies after being assembled in Europe. On 22nd July 2026, the first Poland-bound F-35A Lightning II built at Leonardo’s Cameri final assembly line in Italy completed its maiden functional test flight.
One of the first three Polish F-35s lands at Łask Airbase. [Polish MoD photo]
One of the first three Polish F-35s lands at Łask Airbase. [Polish MoD photo]
Until now, every Polish F-35A has been manufactured at Lockheed Martin’s main production facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Poland ordered 32 F-35A conventional take-off and landing jets in 2020 to replace its ageing MiG-29 and Su-22 fleets, with the first American-built aircraft, AZ-01 “Husarz”, rolling out in August 2024 and making its first flight in December 2024.

The first three of those U.S.-built jets arrived at Łask Air Base in May 2026 and were formally welcomed into service in June, followed by ceremonial flypasts over Gdańsk, Warsaw, Kraków and Łódź. Under the original schedule, deliveries are to continue in batches through 2030, with a phasing-in of F-35s at Łask and eventually other bases as the fleet grows.

The aircraft that just flew in Italy (#3517), is the first of 16 Polish F-35As that will be assembled at Cameri rather than in Texas. That means roughly half of Poland’s 32-aircraft order will be built on European soil, with the remainder coming from the U.S. line.

The Cameri facility, operated by Leonardo in partnership with Lockheed Martin, is already the European hub for F-35 final assembly and checkout (FACO). It assembles F-35As for Italy, the Netherlands and other European customers, and performs regional maintenance and upgrade work.

Poland has named its F-35A “Husarz”, in reference to the historic Polish winged hussars, a symbol of elite cavalry and shock power. The name reflects both national pride and the intended role of the F-35 as the spearhead of Poland’s future air combat capability.

All Polish F-35As will be delivered with the latest Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) configuration, which provides enhanced computing power, an open-architecture mission system and the foundation for future Block 4 software and capability upgrades. This gives Poland a growth path for new sensors, weapons and electronic warfare functions over the jet’s service life.

The first three U.S.-built F-35As are already in Poland and in the early stages of pilot and maintainer training, with more American-built jets expected to follow. The Cameri line will now begin feeding additional airframes into the same pipeline, with tail 3517’s first flight serving as the green light for serial European production of Polish jets.

By the end of 2026, Poland expects to have around 14 F-35s in service, with the full fleet of 32 delivered by 2030. As the fleet grows, Łask will transition from a small introductory squadron to a larger F-35 wing, while Poland’s legacy MiG-29s and Su-22s are progressively retired.

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Forum discussion: ]]> https://www.f-16.net/f-35-news-article4961.html Air Force pilot safely ejects in F-35A crash in Nevada Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 EST March 31, 2026 (by Lieven Dewitte) - The pilot of an F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter from Nellis Air Force Base safely ejected before the jet crashed Tuesday north of the base near Las Vegas, Nevada.
USAF F-35A #11-5021 from the 65th AGRS taxis onto the runway at Nellis AFB on February 4th, 2026. [USAF photo by William R. Lewis]
USAF F-35A #11-5021 from the 65th AGRS taxis onto the runway at Nellis AFB on February 4th, 2026. [USAF photo by William R. Lewis]
In a statement, the 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base said there was no impact on populated areas. “The pilot is safe and being treated for minor injuries.

The incident occurred approximately 25 miles northeast of Indian Springs, Nev., near Creech AFB, within the controlled airspace and restricted federal property of the Nevada Test & Training Range at Nellis. The aircraft was on a training mission and reported trouble maneuvering around noon, according to sources.

Nellis AFB is home to the 57th Wing, which develops advanced air combat tactics, as well as the integration of new systems and weapons on existing aircraft. It’s mission includes simulated combat against aggressor aircraft flown by Air Force pilots. It has served as a major hub of development of the F-35A, the Air Force version of the stealth fighter that is also flown in other variants by the Marine Corps and Navy.

The cause of the crash has not yet been confirmed.

The previous incident with an F-35 was on 19 March 2026, when a US F-35 was forced to make an emergency landing at a Middle East airbase during the 2026 Iran war, as it was allegedly struck by an Iranian munition. The stealth jet had been flying a combat mission over Iran.

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]]> https://www.f-16.net/f-35-news-article4960.html US F-35 damaged by suspected Iranian fire makes emergency landing Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:00:00 EST March 19, 2026 (by F-16.net) - A United States Air Force F‑35 Lightning II stealth fighter was forced to make an emergency landing at a U.S. base in the Middle East after being struck by what U.S. military officials described as suspected Iranian fire during a combat mission over Iran, according to multiple reports on Thursday.
USAF F-35A #20-5622 - destined for the 34th FS - is seen on an unrestricted climb to 15500 feet at NAS Fort Worth for engine checks on June 14th, 2022. [Photo by Tim Wurth]
USAF F-35A #20-5622 - destined for the 34th FS - is seen on an unrestricted climb to 15500 feet at NAS Fort Worth for engine checks on June 14th, 2022. [Photo by Tim Wurth]
U.S. Central Command spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and that its pilot was in stable condition. The cause of the incident is under investigation, with initial indications suggesting the aircraft was hit while flying a combat sortie over Iranian territory.

The incident appears to be the first time a U.S. aircraft has been damaged by enemy action in the ongoing high‑tempo air campaign against Iran, which began in late February 2026. Earlier in the conflict, unmanned systems such as MQ‑9 Reaper drones were shot down, but manned combat jets had largely avoided such losses.

U.S. officials have maintained that their forces, including fifth‑generation fighters, have achieved a high degree of air superiority. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed that U.S. objectives in the conflict remain unchanged and that the campaign has targeted thousands of Iranian military positions.

While the aircraft was reportedly struck by hostile fire, no official confirmation has been released that Iran’s forces successfully shot it down. The jet was able to leave Iranian airspace and reach a friendly base before landing. The nature of the damage — whether from missile fire, anti‑aircraft artillery, or other systems — has not been publicly detailed.

At least 16 U.S. military aircraft have been destroyed or damaged since the conflict began, the majority unmanned, reflecting the risks of operating in contested airspace populated with modern as well as legacy air defence systems.

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Forum discussion: ]]> https://www.f-16.net/f-35-news-article4958.html Danish F-35s and French MRTT tanker train in Southeast Greenland Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 EST January 16, 2026 (by Danish Armed Forces) - Today, two Danish F-35 fighter jets and a French MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) tanker aircraft carried out a planned training mission in southeastern Greenland.
Danish F-35s and a French Airbus MRTT aerial tanker conducting air operations in southeastern Greenland. [Danish DoD photo]
Danish F-35s and a French Airbus MRTT aerial tanker conducting air operations in southeastern Greenland. [Danish DoD photo]
The mission aimed to practice joint operations involving aerial refueling, long-distance flights, and safety under the harsh Arctic conditions.

The aircraft route went from Fighter Wing Skrydstrup directly to the area around Kulusuk on Greenland’s east coast. The French tanker aircraft departed from its base in southern France, to which it returned after completing the training in Greenland. During the training in the North Atlantic, the aircraft also passed the Faroe Islands.

Last year, Denmark and France conducted similar training activities on several occasions, but with Danish F-16 fighter jets and along Greenland’s west coast. This activity was part of the general strengthening of air operations in Arctic regions and contributed to building shared experience in operating under cold, challenging conditions.

The increased military activity follows the Danish Armed Forces’ strengthened presence and training activity in and around Greenland in 2025 together with allies, including France, Germany, Sweden, and Norway.

This effort will continue in 2026 with a range of air-, sea-, and land-based activities to improve the ability to operate in extreme Arctic environments. Flights involving F-35 fighter jets and tanker aircraft will therefore continue in the period ahead.

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The Danish F-35s, supported by a French Airbus MRTT aerial tanker, fly over the Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic. [Danish DoD photo]
The Danish F-35s, supported by a French Airbus MRTT aerial tanker, fly over the Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic. [Danish DoD photo]
]]> https://www.f-16.net/f-35-news-article4957.html Finland’s first F-35A JF‑501 takes to the skies Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 EST December 10, 2025 (by Lieven Dewitte) - Finland’s first F-35A Lightning II has completed its maiden flight over Texas, marking a major milestone in the country’s transition from the F/A-18C/D Hornet to a fifth‑generation fighter fleet. The jet, designated JF‑501, is the lead aircraft in a 64‑strong F-35A order.
Finland’s first F-35A (#JF-501) completes its maiden flight at NAS Fort Worth on December 8th, 2025. [Lockheed Martin photo]
Finland’s first F-35A (#JF-501) completes its maiden flight at NAS Fort Worth on December 8th, 2025. [Lockheed Martin photo]
JF‑501 carried out its first flight on 8 December 2025 from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, adjacent to Lockheed Martin’s F-35 production line. The sortie was a factory test flight flown by a company test pilot and followed completion of final assembly, application of full Finnish Air Force markings and a period of ground checks and systems testing.

This aircraft had left the final assembly line in late October 2025, keeping to the schedule set when the forward fuselage was ceremonially signed by retired Finnish Air Force colonel Henrik Elo, now the nation’s F-35 program director. An official roll‑out event at Fort Worth, attended by Finland’s president, is planned shortly after the maiden flight to formally unveil the jet.

Replacing the Hornet fleet
Finland is acquiring 64 F-35A conventional take‑off and landing variants to replace its remaining fleet of legacy F/A‑18C/D Hornets on essentially a one‑for‑one basis. That stands out from many other F-35 customers, who often buy fewer stealth fighters than the aircraft they retire, and underlines Helsinki’s intent to preserve – and in some areas expand – its fighter capacity.

The decision followed a lengthy HX fighter competition in which the F-35A was evaluated against the F/A‑18E/F Super Hornet, Rafale, Eurofighter and Gripen. In that process the F-35’s low observability, sensor fusion and growth potential were judged to give the best overall operational effect across air defense, strike and intelligence roles, within a program budget that represents the largest defense investment in Finnish history.

F-35A configuration and capabilities
All Finnish F-35A airframes will be delivered with the Technology Refresh 3 (TR‑3) electronics suite. TR‑3 provides a more powerful mission computer and an open‑architecture backbone intended to support future Block 4 software drops, new weapons and additional sensors over the jet’s life.

With the F-35’s AESA radar, electro‑optical targeting and distributed aperture sensors, Finnish jets will act not only as shooters but as high‑end information nodes for the wider joint force. The aircraft are expected to carry the usual mix of modern air‑to‑air missiles and precision‑guided munitions, giving Finland both a robust air‑policing tool and a credible long‑range strike option once the fleet is fully equipped.

Drag chute and cold‑weather operations
Finland is among a small group of F-35 operators, alongside Norway and Canada, to select the optional drag chute. The braking parachute is housed in a fairing between the vertical tails and is designed to improve stopping performance on short, wet or icy runways typical of northern climates.

Although any external fairing has some impact on radar signature, the chute housing has been shaped to keep the additional radar cross‑section as low as practical while still meeting safety and reliability requirements. The system supports Finland’s long‑standing concept of dispersed operations from austere bases and road strips, a key element in keeping its fighter fleet survivable in a high‑threat scenario.

Basing and entry into service
According to the current fielding plan, the first batch of Finnish F-35A aircraft will begin service in 2026 at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas. There they will support the training of Finnish pilots and maintainers alongside personnel from other F-35 partner nations.

Later in 2026, the first jets are scheduled to arrive in Finland itself, initially joining Fighter Squadron 11 of the Lapland Air Wing at Rovaniemi in the north. From 2028, additional aircraft will stand up operations at the Karelia Air Wing at Kuopio in south‑east Finland, giving the country two F-35 bases, each only around 100 miles from the Russian border.

Role within NATO’s northern air defense
With Finland now a NATO member, the F-35A fleet will plug directly into the alliance’s integrated air and missile defense architecture. The positioning of F-35s at Rovaniemi and Kuopio will allow rapid interception over both the Barents and Baltic regions, reinforcing an area where Allied and Russian air activity already sits in close proximity.

As more European nations bring their own F-35 fleets online, Finland’s aircraft will become part of a broader network of stealth fighters stretching from the High North to central Europe. For a country that has long prioritized resilience, mobilization and territorial defense, JF‑501’s first flight is more than a test milestone – it is the opening move in reshaping how Finland protects its airspace and supports NATO along Russia’s northern frontier.

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Tail detail of Finland’s first F-35A #JF-501. [Lockheed Martin photo]
Tail detail of Finland’s first F-35A #JF-501. [Lockheed Martin photo]
The Finnish Air Force’s first F-35A following assembly at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Fort Worth, Texas. [Lockheed Martin photo]
The Finnish Air Force’s first F-35A following assembly at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Fort Worth, Texas. [Lockheed Martin photo]
The first Finnish F-35A flew its first flight from the fighter factory in Fort Worth on December 8th, 2025. [Photo by Dan McClinton]
The first Finnish F-35A flew its first flight from the fighter factory in Fort Worth on December 8th, 2025. [Photo by Dan McClinton]
]]> https://www.f-16.net/f-35-news-article4956.html Trump administration expected to approve potential F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia Sun, 16 Nov 2025 00:00:00 EST November 16, 2025 (by Lieven Dewitte) - The Trump administration is expected to push ahead with a plan allowing Saudi Arabia to acquire the F-35 stealth fighter, according to a senior U.S. official.
IDFAF F-35A #930 and #932 from Tayeset 116 are flying together on a familiarisation flight over Israel on May 5th, 2020. [IDFAF photo]
IDFAF F-35A #930 and #932 from Tayeset 116 are flying together on a familiarisation flight over Israel on May 5th, 2020. [IDFAF photo]
The announcement is likely to coincide with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the White House on Tuesday, where both sides are preparing to sign several economic and defense agreements.

Saudi Arabia has been seeking the F-35 for years. If approved, the deal would overturn decades of U.S. policy that restricted access to the aircraft in the Middle East to preserve Israel’s qualitative military edge. The F-35, built by Lockheed Martin, is among the most advanced and closely guarded platforms in the U.S. arsenal.

While previous administrations—Republican and Democratic—blocked Riyadh’s requests over security and reliability concerns, Trump appears willing to move forward despite continuing objections from Israel, the Pentagon, and the U.S. intelligence community. Critics note that Trump has repeatedly brushed aside complex regional dynamics in favor of headline-friendly deals and personal relationships with foreign leaders.

U.S. defense officials have raised additional alarms about Saudi Arabia’s deepening military ties with China. A Pentagon assessment warned that sensitive F-35 technology could be at risk if transferred to a country that has collaborated with Beijing on ballistic missile development and surveillance infrastructure. Those concerns appear to have done little to slow Trump’s push.

The potential sale comes at a time when Trump is pressuring Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel—while simultaneously entertaining a weapons package that undermines Israel’s long-standing security red lines. Analysts say the contradictory approach reflects Trump’s tendency to prioritize short-term optics over strategic consistency.

Also on the agenda are access to advanced AI chips, nuclear technology cooperation, and discussions on Gaza, despite the administration offering few details on how these issues align with broader U.S. policy. Observers have criticized Trump for treating highly sensitive defense matters as transactional leverage rather than as components of a coherent foreign-policy strategy.

U.S.–Saudi ties were severely strained following the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. While many Western governments distanced themselves from Riyadh, Trump repeatedly defended the crown prince, dismissing U.S. intelligence findings and publicly stating that arms deals were “too lucrative to walk away from.” The F-35 proposal continues that pattern, placing economic and political considerations ahead of democratic values and long-standing security safeguards.

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IDFAF F-35A #924 was delivered to MANAT in August of 2020. It is the dedicated Israeli F-35A test platform. [F-35.net collection]
IDFAF F-35A #924 was delivered to MANAT in August of 2020. It is the dedicated Israeli F-35A test platform. [F-35.net collection]
USAF F-35A #19-5482 destined for the 355 FS is seen banking in for runway 36 at NAS Fort Worth on January 10th, 2022. [Photo by Tim Wurth]
USAF F-35A #19-5482 destined for the 355 FS is seen banking in for runway 36 at NAS Fort Worth on January 10th, 2022. [Photo by Tim Wurth]
USAF F-35A #18-5374 from the 6th WPS departs after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to the 92nd ARW during the Weapons Integration course over the Nevada Test and Training Range on December 11th, 2023. Air refueling crews assigned to the 92nd, 93rd and 97th ARS's at Fairchild AFB, participated in the WSINT course to enhance interoperability with a variety of aircraft and demonstrate how Air Mobility Command’s air refueling capabilities enhance global reach for all Department of Defense air operations. WSINT is a series of complex, large-force employment missions that serve as the capstone portion of Weapons School classes, which take place twice a year at Nellis AFB. WSINT students plan and execute every aspect of air, space and cyber combat operations, with joint force components converging over the Nevada Test and Training Range. [USAF photo by SrA. Haiden Morris]
USAF F-35A #18-5374 from the 6th WPS departs after receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to the 92nd ARW during the Weapons Integration course over the Nevada Test and Training Range on December 11th, 2023. Air refueling crews assigned to the 92nd, 93rd and 97th ARS's at Fairchild AFB, participated in the WSINT course to enhance interoperability with a variety of aircraft and demonstrate how Air Mobility Command’s air refueling capabilities enhance global reach for all Department of Defense air operations. WSINT is a series of complex, large-force employment missions that serve as the capstone portion of Weapons School classes, which take place twice a year at Nellis AFB. WSINT students plan and execute every aspect of air, space and cyber combat operations, with joint force components converging over the Nevada Test and Training Range. [USAF photo by SrA. Haiden Morris]
]]> https://www.f-16.net/f-35-news-article4955.html Belgium welcomes its first F-35 fighters at Florennes Air Base Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:00:00 EST October 14, 2025 (by Lieven Dewitte) - Belgium officially entered the fifth-generation fighter era yesterday as the first three F-35A Lightning II aircraft arrived at Florennes Air Base, marking the nation’s first introduction of a new fighter type in nearly 50 years.
The first F-35A Lightning II's have officially arrived at the Florennes AB on October 13th, 2025. [Photo by Adrien Muylaert]
The first F-35A Lightning II's have officially arrived at the Florennes AB on October 13th, 2025. [Photo by Adrien Muylaert]
The aircraft (FL009, FL010, and FL012) arrived directly from the United States, though the long-awaited event began on a slightly muted note. Originally, four F-35s were scheduled to make the flight to Belgium, but one aircraft (FL011) was forced to remain behind in the Azores due to technical issues.

The arrival represents a major milestone for the Belgian Air Component, which ordered 34 F-35A fighters to replace its aging fleet of F-16s. The acquisition program is valued at approximately €4 billion for the aircraft, support, training, and infrastructure. When including full lifecycle costs such as maintenance, spare parts, and operational use over several decades, total expenditures are expected to reach between €12.4 and €15 billion.

Three of the promised four aircraft now gleam on the Florennes tarmac. The base will eventually host 17 F-35s, while the remaining jets are planned to be stationed at Kleine-Brogel by 2027.

Although these are the first Belgian F-35s to land on home soil, Lockheed Martin has already completed a dozen aircraft for Belgium. Eight (FL001 - FL008) remain with the 312th FS at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, where Belgian and other allied pilots receive training on the F-35. Those aircraft will continue to be used for training purposes in the years to come.

The F-35 also carries a distinct European — and partly Belgian — footprint. About 25 percent of the aircraft is produced in Europe, including components made in Belgium such as parts of the tail and the specialized coating used on the jet’s stealthy surface.

Beyond modernizing Belgium’s air fleet, the F-35’s arrival also reinforces the country’s strategic role within NATO. The aircraft is capable of carrying U.S. nuclear weapons stored at Kleine-Brogel Air Base, maintaining Belgium’s participation in NATO’s nuclear deterrence mission. The F-35’s advanced sensors and combat systems also make it a vital platform for detecting and neutralizing modern aerial threats such as drones — a capability recently demonstrated by Dutch F-35s operating in Poland.

With the arrival of these aircraft, Belgium joins the growing list of European nations transitioning to the F-35, signaling a new chapter in the country’s air defense and NATO contribution. The Belgian Ministry of Defence has also expressed interest in ordering 11 additional F-35s, which would be built in Cameri, Italy, pending government approval.

[Update 24/10/2025: FL011 finally arrived in Florennes]

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Additional images:
Group picture of the first three Belgian F-35s to arrive at Florennes AB on October 25th, 2025. [BAF photo]
Group picture of the first three Belgian F-35s to arrive at Florennes AB on October 25th, 2025. [BAF photo]
BAF F-35A #FL010 is being sprayed upoin arrival at Florennes AB on October 14th, 2025. [BAF photo]
BAF F-35A #FL010 is being sprayed upoin arrival at Florennes AB on October 14th, 2025. [BAF photo]
BAF F-35A #FL009 going to the 312th FS is coming in for landing after a local test flight at NAS Fort Worth on August 15th, 2025. [Photo by Keith Snyder]
BAF F-35A #FL009 going to the 312th FS is coming in for landing after a local test flight at NAS Fort Worth on August 15th, 2025. [Photo by Keith Snyder]
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