First Belgian F-35s arrived at Florennes AB

On Monday 13 October 2025, the first three F-35A Lightning IIs, (serials FL009, FL010, and FL012) for the Belgian Air Force arrived on Belgian soil. These aircraft came fresh out of the factory at Fort Worth (TX) and will be handed over to 2Wing at Florennes.

The new aircraft left Fort Worth early in the morning on 9 October and arrived at around 18:00 hours local time at Lajes, Azores. On Monday 13 October the last leg of the journey was completed and the historic moment of the arrival of the first 5th generation fighter aircraft was witnessed by the Minister of Defence, staff and many spotters and other enthousiasts.

During the transfer, FL009 and FL011 had their serials and roundels taped off, FL010 and FL012 flew with full colours. Before the flight to Belgium the tape on FL009 was removed. Due to technical problems, FL011 had to stay behind and will arrive later. (Update: arrived on 24 October) 

Belgium ordered 34 F-35A aircraft in 2018 to replace its ageing F-16 fleet and enhance operational capabilities in line with NATO standards. The first aircraft, FL001 - FL008, have already been delivered and are used for initial training with 312th FS on Luke AFB (AZ). The Belgian Ministry of Defence expressed the wish to add eleven more F-35s to the fleet which first has to be approved by the government. If the order is placed, those eleven will be built in Cameri, Italy.

Photos by Kenny Peeters, on arrival at Florennes