Belgium’s first F-35A fighter jets from US firm Lockheed Martin will arrive this year but with an expected slight delay.
This delay is due to modifications in the F-35’s design, which aim to enhance its capabilities.
Codenamed TR-3 (or “Technology Refresh”) and Block 4, these improvements include hardware enhancements such as a larger weapons bay, capable of carrying six missiles or bombs instead of the previous model’s four, as well as new screens and software upgrades.
Speaking on Friday, a company spokesperson confirmed that the TR-3 software development “remains an absolute priority” for the firm. “We are moving toward the delivery of the first TR-3 configured aircraft. Over 90% of TR-3 features are currently in flight test phase.”
The first F-35A, designed for traditional take-offs and landings, intended for the Belgian Air Force was unveiled on 10 December at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth, Texas facility, in the presence of Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. However, this aircraft, bearing the registration FL001 and the manufacturer’s number AY-01 (Y being the code assigned to Belgium), has not yet undertaken its maiden flight.
According to L’Avenir and a military source, the Belgian Ministry of Defence is considering a phased installation of the TR-3 software version as it gets validated by the Joint Program Office (JPO).
This might allow training of Belgian pilots at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, and ground technicians, the earliest of whom set off on Friday for Eglin Base in Florida, to begin without further serious delay.
A meeting between F-35 programme participants is scheduled for the coming weeks. Belgium ordered 34 aircraft in 2018 to replace its army's ageing fleet of around fifty F-16s – a nearly four billion euros contract, according to the Defence Ministry.
