The first F-35A Joint Strike Fighter for the Belgian Air Component has entered the final stage of assembly at Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Fort Worth, Texas, Lockheed Martin announced on 2 August 2023.
The jet, known as AY-01, was moved out of the electronic mate and alignment system at Fort Worth, where its four major components were joined together by an advanced system of lasers and sensors. In final assembly, the jet’s canopy will be fitted, electronic systems will be tested, and the engine will be installed. From there, it will enter the final finishes facility to receive its stealth coating.
AY-01 is due to roll out of the factory later this year and will initially be based at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, where Belgian Air Component pilots will conduct initial training in the United States.
Belgium ordered 34 F-35As in 2018 to replace its fleet of 52 Lockheed Martin F-16A/Bs.
In April 2023 the Belgian Ministry of Defence confirmed that only two, rather than four, Belgian F-35As would be delivered in 2023 as a result of delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The first in-country arrival of an F-35 is planned for 2025 at Florennes Air Base in Belgium’s Walloon region. The type will also be based out of Kleine-Brogel Air Base in the Flanders region from 2027. Belgium’s total order of F-35s is still scheduled to be completed by 2030.
Peter Felstead
