Belgium’s First F-35A Lands at Florennes, Marking the Beginning of Local Operations

The Belgian Air Force has officially welcomed its first F-35A Lightning II to Florennes Air Base, joining the growing European “wall of F-35s.”

Belgium’s first F-35A Lightning II to be permanently stationed in the country landed today at Florennes Air Base, Belgium, marking a major milestone in the nation’s transition to the 5th generation fighter. The arrival ceremony, hosted by the Belgian Air Force and attended by Lockheed Martin delegates, celebrated the aircraft’s official incorporation into Belgian operations.

According to a report by VRT News , four Belgian F-35As departed last week from Fort Worth, Texas, where Lockheed Martin manufactures the fighter, for their transatlantic journey to Belgium. During the crossing, the aircraft refueled mid-air and later made a stopover in L