Belgium Air Force selects legendary 1st Squadron to fly its first US-made F-35A stealth fighters
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On July 17, 2025, the Florennes Air Base formally announced that its 1st Squadron has been designated as the first Belgian Air Force unit to operate the F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft. The selection follows the recent completion of training by the first Belgian F-35A pilots in the United States and comes ahead of the first aircraft deliveries, expected in autumn 2025.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
One of the oldest active fighter squadrons in Europe, the Belgian 1st Squadron chose in 1917 the Latin motto “Nemo me impune lacessit” (“No one attacks me with impunity”), a symbol of its combat spirit. (Picture source: Florennes Air Base)
The assignment marks the next step in Belgium’s transition from its current fleet of F-16 multirole fighters to fifth-generation aircraft as part of broader NATO force alignment and national defense modernization efforts. The infrastructure at Florennes has already undergone upgrades to accommodate the incoming fleet, and the unit will take on the responsibility of making the F-35A operational and deployable. This includes the development of procedures, pilot transition, simulator use, and integration into NATO missions. Meanwhile, the 350th Squadron at Florennes will continue to operate the F-16 until at least 2028, maintaining operational capacity during the phase-out period.
The 1st Squadron, also known as the 1re Escadrille de Chasse, was originally created in 1913 and is one of the oldest fighter squadrons in Belgium and Europe. Initially designated Escadrille I within the Compagnie des Aviateurs, it became the first dedicated fighter unit of the Belgian military on February 22, 1916, and began operations during the First World War from bases such as Coxyde and Les Moëres. In August 1917, the unit adopted the Hanriot HD.1 fighter and introduced the thistle emblem alongside the Latin motto “Nemo me impune lacessit” (“No one attacks me with impunity”), a symbol of its combat spirit and resilience. During the war, the unit claimed a wartime record of 52 aerial victories, with 15 officially confirmed, and lost five pilots. Several Belgian aces served in or were closely associated with the squadron, such as Fernand Jacquet, the first Belgian pilot to claim an aerial victory, Willy “Balloon Buster” Coppens, the Top Belgian ace of WWI with 37 confirmed victories, André de Meulemeester, credited with 11 aerial victories and known for his calm under pressure, and Jan Olieslagers, which often flew outdated aircraft but still managed to score victories through aggressive tactics, earning him the nickname “The Antwerp Devil.” The traditions established during this early period have remained integral to the unit’s culture and legacy.
Following the First and Second World Wars, the 1st Squadron’s traditions were preserved through successive reorganizations of the Belgian Air Force. After World War II, the unit was formally reactivated on January 10, 1948, when the 351st Squadron at Florennes was renamed the 1st Squadron within the 2nd Wing, inheriting the lineage and symbols of the historic escadrille. From 1971 to 1989, the squadron was based at Bierset, before returning to Florennes, where it adopted the F-16 Fighting Falcon and established itself as a multirole and reconnaissance unit. Throughout the Cold War and into the 21st century, the 1st Squadron participated in numerous NATO and multinational operations. These included deployments to the Balkans during the Allied Force campaign against Serbia, Baltic Air Policing missions in Lithuania, Poland, and Estonia between 2004 and 2017, counter-insurgency air support in Afghanistan under the Eastern Eagle and Guardian Falcon missions, airstrikes in Libya during Operation Unified Protector, and participation in Operation Desert Falcon in Iraq against the Islamic State. The unit has maintained a dual capability in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, supported by MARS reconnaissance pods and NATO-certified weaponry.
In January 2025, the 1st Squadron was reactivated as part of Belgium’s preparations for the operational integration of the F-35A. Belgian pilots, including Lt. Col. Pierre-Yves Libert, received training in the United States at Luke Air Force Base through the 312th Fighter Squadron. Libert has been designated as a pilot instructor and national representative, with the intent to support academic, simulator, and tactical training programs upon his return to Florennes. The squadron will oversee the implementation of F-35-specific procedures and the standardization of its use across the Belgian Air Component. To accommodate these activities, Florennes Air Base has received €275 million in infrastructure upgrades, including hardened aircraft shelters, QRA zones, mission planning facilities, maintenance buildings, advanced simulators, secure data link facilities, and living quarters. The transition plan also includes the eventual retirement and transfer of 30 Belgian F-16s to Ukraine beginning in 2026, once sufficient numbers of F-35As are operational.
Belgium’s F-35A procurement began with a 2017 competitive evaluation process. In October 2018, the F-35A was selected over the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Dassault Rafale, based on seven evaluation criteria: acquisition cost, operational performance, interoperability, sustainment, logistics, strategic alignment, and industrial return. The initial contract for 34 aircraft, signed in April 2020 through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, was valued at €4 billion, which was €600 million below early estimates. In July 2025, Economy Minister David Clarinval confirmed an order for 11 additional aircraft, bringing the total to 45. This followed an agreement on national tax policy that unblocked defense and infrastructure investment files. The 11 new aircraft will be assembled at the Cameri FACO facility in Italy. The decision to shift final assembly from Fort Worth to Cameri is intended to improve access to EU financing mechanisms by categorizing the aircraft as European-manufactured. Belgium’s overall defense modernization budget is projected to exceed €30 billion over ten years, and the additional F-35 units are part of a broader effort to meet NATO capability planning targets.
The Cameri FACO facility, operated by Leonardo in cooperation with Lockheed Martin, is the only F-35 assembly site in Europe and serves as the region’s maintenance and upgrade hub for the platform. The Belgian government formally requested the Cameri assembly during bilateral discussions with Italian officials in April 2025, and finalized the agreement in May. European industry contributes approximately 30 percent of F-35 components. Belgium participates in the supply chain through companies such as SABCA, which manufactures horizontal tail sections and fuselage structures; Asco, which provides titanium flaperon spars; and ILIAS Solutions, which supplies software for logistics and fleet management. While early projections estimated industrial returns of €3.6 to €4 billion, actual contract awards totaled €700 million by 2022. A revised agreement signed in 2024 projects €66 million in annual returns over four decades, totaling €2.7 billion. These figures remain subject to political scrutiny in Belgium, particularly regarding procurement transparency and industrial benefits.
The F-35A is a conventional takeoff and landing multirole fighter capable of air-to-air, air-to-ground, and electronic warfare operations. It is powered by the F135-PW-100 turbofan engine producing 43,000 pounds of thrust, with a top speed of Mach 1.6 and service ceiling above 15,000 meters. Its internal weapons bay carries up to 2,600 kilograms of munitions, while external pylons can increase the payload to 10,000 kilograms. Its sensor suite includes the AN/APG-81 AESA radar, Electro-Optical Targeting System, and Distributed Aperture System, providing all-aspect targeting and 360-degree infrared coverage. The pilot’s HMDS helmet projects flight and targeting information directly onto the visor, eliminating the need for a heads-up display. The aircraft is certified for the B61 nuclear bomb under NATO nuclear-sharing arrangements. The TR-3 software package, included in new deliveries, offers enhanced computing power and the architecture needed for Block 4 upgrades, though it is currently limited to training pending full combat certification. Full operational capability for Belgium’s fleet is targeted for 2030, with initial capability expected by 2027, following the progressive induction of aircraft, pilots, and support infrastructure.
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On July 17, 2025, the Florennes Air Base formally announced that its 1st Squadron has been designated as the first Belgian Air Force unit to operate the F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft. The selection follows the recent completion of training by the first Belgian F-35A pilots in the United States and comes ahead of the first aircraft deliveries, expected in autumn 2025.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
One of the oldest active fighter squadrons in Europe, the Belgian 1st Squadron chose in 1917 the Latin motto “Nemo me impune lacessit” (“No one attacks me with impunity”), a symbol of its combat spirit. (Picture source: Florennes Air Base)
The assignment marks the next step in Belgium’s transition from its current fleet of F-16 multirole fighters to fifth-generation aircraft as part of broader NATO force alignment and national defense modernization efforts. The infrastructure at Florennes has already undergone upgrades to accommodate the incoming fleet, and the unit will take on the responsibility of making the F-35A operational and deployable. This includes the development of procedures, pilot transition, simulator use, and integration into NATO missions. Meanwhile, the 350th Squadron at Florennes will continue to operate the F-16 until at least 2028, maintaining operational capacity during the phase-out period.
The 1st Squadron, also known as the 1re Escadrille de Chasse, was originally created in 1913 and is one of the oldest fighter squadrons in Belgium and Europe. Initially designated Escadrille I within the Compagnie des Aviateurs, it became the first dedicated fighter unit of the Belgian military on February 22, 1916, and began operations during the First World War from bases such as Coxyde and Les Moëres. In August 1917, the unit adopted the Hanriot HD.1 fighter and introduced the thistle emblem alongside the Latin motto “Nemo me impune lacessit” (“No one attacks me with impunity”), a symbol of its combat spirit and resilience. During the war, the unit claimed a wartime record of 52 aerial victories, with 15 officially confirmed, and lost five pilots. Several Belgian aces served in or were closely associated with the squadron, such as Fernand Jacquet, the first Belgian pilot to claim an aerial victory, Willy “Balloon Buster” Coppens, the Top Belgian ace of WWI with 37 confirmed victories, André de Meulemeester, credited with 11 aerial victories and known for his calm under pressure, and Jan Olieslagers, which often flew outdated aircraft but still managed to score victories through aggressive tactics, earning him the nickname “The Antwerp Devil.” The traditions established during this early period have remained integral to the unit’s culture and legacy.
Following the First and Second World Wars, the 1st Squadron’s traditions were preserved through successive reorganizations of the Belgian Air Force. After World War II, the unit was formally reactivated on January 10, 1948, when the 351st Squadron at Florennes was renamed the 1st Squadron within the 2nd Wing, inheriting the lineage and symbols of the historic escadrille. From 1971 to 1989, the squadron was based at Bierset, before returning to Florennes, where it adopted the F-16 Fighting Falcon and established itself as a multirole and reconnaissance unit. Throughout the Cold War and into the 21st century, the 1st Squadron participated in numerous NATO and multinational operations. These included deployments to the Balkans during the Allied Force campaign against Serbia, Baltic Air Policing missions in Lithuania, Poland, and Estonia between 2004 and 2017, counter-insurgency air support in Afghanistan under the Eastern Eagle and Guardian Falcon missions, airstrikes in Libya during Operation Unified Protector, and participation in Operation Desert Falcon in Iraq against the Islamic State. The unit has maintained a dual capability in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, supported by MARS reconnaissance pods and NATO-certified weaponry.
In January 2025, the 1st Squadron was reactivated as part of Belgium’s preparations for the operational integration of the F-35A. Belgian pilots, including Lt. Col. Pierre-Yves Libert, received training in the United States at Luke Air Force Base through the 312th Fighter Squadron. Libert has been designated as a pilot instructor and national representative, with the intent to support academic, simulator, and tactical training programs upon his return to Florennes. The squadron will oversee the implementation of F-35-specific procedures and the standardization of its use across the Belgian Air Component. To accommodate these activities, Florennes Air Base has received €275 million in infrastructure upgrades, including hardened aircraft shelters, QRA zones, mission planning facilities, maintenance buildings, advanced simulators, secure data link facilities, and living quarters. The transition plan also includes the eventual retirement and transfer of 30 Belgian F-16s to Ukraine beginning in 2026, once sufficient numbers of F-35As are operational.
Belgium’s F-35A procurement began with a 2017 competitive evaluation process. In October 2018, the F-35A was selected over the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Dassault Rafale, based on seven evaluation criteria: acquisition cost, operational performance, interoperability, sustainment, logistics, strategic alignment, and industrial return. The initial contract for 34 aircraft, signed in April 2020 through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, was valued at €4 billion, which was €600 million below early estimates. In July 2025, Economy Minister David Clarinval confirmed an order for 11 additional aircraft, bringing the total to 45. This followed an agreement on national tax policy that unblocked defense and infrastructure investment files. The 11 new aircraft will be assembled at the Cameri FACO facility in Italy. The decision to shift final assembly from Fort Worth to Cameri is intended to improve access to EU financing mechanisms by categorizing the aircraft as European-manufactured. Belgium’s overall defense modernization budget is projected to exceed €30 billion over ten years, and the additional F-35 units are part of a broader effort to meet NATO capability planning targets.
The Cameri FACO facility, operated by Leonardo in cooperation with Lockheed Martin, is the only F-35 assembly site in Europe and serves as the region’s maintenance and upgrade hub for the platform. The Belgian government formally requested the Cameri assembly during bilateral discussions with Italian officials in April 2025, and finalized the agreement in May. European industry contributes approximately 30 percent of F-35 components. Belgium participates in the supply chain through companies such as SABCA, which manufactures horizontal tail sections and fuselage structures; Asco, which provides titanium flaperon spars; and ILIAS Solutions, which supplies software for logistics and fleet management. While early projections estimated industrial returns of €3.6 to €4 billion, actual contract awards totaled €700 million by 2022. A revised agreement signed in 2024 projects €66 million in annual returns over four decades, totaling €2.7 billion. These figures remain subject to political scrutiny in Belgium, particularly regarding procurement transparency and industrial benefits.
The F-35A is a conventional takeoff and landing multirole fighter capable of air-to-air, air-to-ground, and electronic warfare operations. It is powered by the F135-PW-100 turbofan engine producing 43,000 pounds of thrust, with a top speed of Mach 1.6 and service ceiling above 15,000 meters. Its internal weapons bay carries up to 2,600 kilograms of munitions, while external pylons can increase the payload to 10,000 kilograms. Its sensor suite includes the AN/APG-81 AESA radar, Electro-Optical Targeting System, and Distributed Aperture System, providing all-aspect targeting and 360-degree infrared coverage. The pilot’s HMDS helmet projects flight and targeting information directly onto the visor, eliminating the need for a heads-up display. The aircraft is certified for the B61 nuclear bomb under NATO nuclear-sharing arrangements. The TR-3 software package, included in new deliveries, offers enhanced computing power and the architecture needed for Block 4 upgrades, though it is currently limited to training pending full combat certification. Full operational capability for Belgium’s fleet is targeted for 2030, with initial capability expected by 2027, following the progressive induction of aircraft, pilots, and support infrastructure.
