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Belgium to Buy 11 Additional F-35 Fighter-Jets, 21 ‘Not Feasible’ at the Minute
BELGIUM, JUL 2 – Belgium will increase its defence budget to €18.2 billion and invest up to €1.5 billion to enhance air power with 11 additional F-35 jets as part of NATO commitments through 2034.
- Belgium plans to acquire 11 additional F-35 fighter jets, with approval expected from the Council of Ministers this Friday following a recent cabinet agreement.
- This decision follows a broader strategic defence vision covering through 2034, aiming to meet NATO norms while balancing defence spending at 2 percent of GDP through 2033.
- The European and transatlantic military posture is shifting, with Belgium enhancing infrastructure, air defence, and cooperation avenues including cybersecurity, civil preparedness, and industrial R&D.
- The new jets’ cost is estimated between 1 and 1.5 billion euros, and additional F-35s beyond the 34 ordered cannot be delivered until after 2033 due to production capacity constraints.
- Belgium's defence budget is set to increase significantly, supporting personnel growth and readiness, but buying 21 more jets now is not financially feasible and remains for future governments to decide.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Belgium has formalized the purchase of eleven additional F-35 fighters from the American manufacturer Lockheed Martin. The contract, estimated at one billion euros, is part of an increase in Belgian military spending by 2034, for a total of 34 billion euros, relays Paris Match. To justify this choice, Defense Minister Theo Francken did not chew his words: "Poutine is not afraid of the Eurofighter, the Rafale or the Gripen. He is afraid of the F-…
Belgium doubles down on defence with €18B budget boost and 11 more F-35s
Belgium is stepping into a stronger, more militarily enhanced future in light of the threats this country and the rest of the EU nations are primarily facing from Russia. In the lead-up to the NATO summit in The Hague, the country is poised to significantly reinforce its military infrastructure, starting with the planned acquisition of 11 additional F-35 fighter jets, as reported by the Belga… Source
Parliament has closely followed the process for the purchase of fighter jets for years.The debate on the alleged fixed price also focuses on the role of the Security Commission.
The government will vote on Friday on the Defence Strategic Vision for the period 2026-34. Among the planned investments, is the acquisition of an additional 11 F-35, confirmed Minister Theo Francken on Wednesday in the House's commission. ...
Belgium to buy 11 additional F-35 fighter-jets, 21 ‘not feasible’ at the minute
Belgian defence minister Theo Francken's (Flemish nationalist N-VA) Strategic Defence Plan reveals the government’s intention of purchasing 11 additional F-35 fighter aircraft. Belgian economy Minister Clarinval confirmed the purchase that still needs to be formally ratified by the government on Tuesday.
Belgium Finalizes Plans to Acquire 11 More F-35 Fighter Jets from the U.S. as Part of New Coalition Defense Agreement
Belgium’s role in the future of European airpower and NATO deterrence strategy, Economy Minister David Clarinval confirmed the purchase of 11 additional Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jets, increasing Belgium’s future fleet to 45 aircraft. The decision, announced during a high-profile interview with RTBF’s La Première, follows protracted inter-party negotiations that unblocked several contentious policy areas, including fiscal reform and unemploy…
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