The first Belgian F-35A Lightning II arrived at Luke Air Force Base on December 3, 2024. This event marks a significant step in Belgium's transition from the legacy F-16 Fighting Falcon to the advanced fifth-generation fighter. The F-35 Lightning II is widely regarded as a leading fifth-generation fighter jet, with numerous countries having placed orders for it.
The United States Air Force has announced that the initial group of Belgian pilots from the 312th Fighter Squadron is now at Luke AFB to commence their training. "Experienced Belgian pilots are also participating in the Simulator Subject-Matter Expert course," stated the Air Force. This course aims to equip them to "establish their own academic training center" upon returning to Belgium.
Lt. Col. Pierre-Yves Liber of the Belgian Air Component remarked, “It’s a historic day for the Belgian Air Component. Our first jet just landed at Luke AFB, marking the start of our training period. A lot of work has gone into making this moment possible, and we are excited to begin flying and complete our training.”