First Belgian F-35A enters final stage of assembly

On 2 August 2023, the first F-35A Lightning II for the Belgische Luchtmacht (BLu, Belgian Air Force) was moved to the final assembly line at Fort Worth (TX).

The aircraft, construction/client number AY-01 and future serial FL01, was moved out of the so-called electronic mate and alignment system, where its four major components were joined together by an advanced system of lasers and sensors.

It was reported that AY-01 will roll out later this year and will initially be based at Luke Air Force Base (AZ) for pilot training. However, due to issues with the latest software upgrade, Technology Refresh (TR) 3, and the delay in the delivery of new screens, the first two F-35As which were scheduled for handover by the end of this year, will not (yet) be accepted. Delivery will now shift again for some months.

The first in country arrival of the F-35A is still planned for 2025 at Florennes Air Base and 2027 for Kleine-Brogel Air Base. Belgium has bought 34 Lightning IIs.

Photo by Lockheed Martin