After more than eleven months of intensive training in the USA, the first Belgian F-35 technicians are ready for their new task: the independent technical operation of the world’s most modern fighter aircraft on home soil. The successful completion marks a significant milestone in the development of F-35 capabilities in Belgium.
The journey began with a theoretical phase in Florida and culminated in several months of practical training at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. There, the Belgian technicians – all former F-16 specialists – worked under the guidance of Lockheed Martin and the Belgian F-35 Conversion Unit on a total of eight F-35As, which are currently being used for pilot training.
Certified specialists for flight operations in Belgium
Based on a manual validated by the Belgian Military Airworthiness Authority, all aspects of technical operation were covered – from inspection and armament to repairs. The result: a team of highly qualified specialists who will be responsible for the maintenance and support of the F-35 fleet in Florennes.
Other key roles were also trained alongside the main group – including specialists in stealth technology, equipment and IT experts and maintenance managers. They were also able to gain valuable experience in order to best prepare for future operations in Belgium.
Ready for take-off for the first F-35s from October
The final preparation phase is now in full swing: technical equipment and IT infrastructure are being installed and the final on-site training sessions are taking place. The first F-35As are scheduled to officially land in Belgium as early as October 2025.
For the Belgian Air Force this is not only a technological success, but also a personnel success, according to a recent press release from the Belgian Ministry of Defense. “The returnees from the USA form the cornerstone of a competent maintenance team – a central building block for the full operational capability of the F-35 in Belgium.”
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