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On May 14, 2024, the Belgian Air Force achieved a significant milestone with the successful maiden flight of its first F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter, part of a larger order of 34 aircraft intended to rejuvenate its aerial combat capabilities. Taking off from the Lockheed Martin facility in Fort Worth, Texas, the aircraft, designated as AY-03 and the third in the series, flew for about an hour.
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Belgium’s decision to procure 34 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets from Lockheed Martin was made in October 2018, aiming to replace the aging fleet of 54 F-16 Fighting Falcon jets that have served the Belgian Air Force since the late 1970s. (Picture source: Facebook/The military aviation pictures and history)

Marking the beginning of a new era for the Belgian Air Force (BAF), this event was notably captured in photographs by aviation enthusiasts, showcasing the aircraft adorned with the Belgian roundel and the national flag on its tail, alongside the tail code FL003 (“Fighter Lightning 003”). Interestingly, the first Belgian F-35 aircraft to roll out in December 2023, designated AY-01 with tail code FL001, featured a slightly different rendition of Belgium’s national markings, likely due to the artificial lighting during the ceremony.

Following the example of the Royal Danish Air Force, which was the first to feature a subdued version of the colored roundel and national flag, Belgium opted for a subdued color scheme, incorporating tones of red, yellow, and black to create distinctive yet less conspicuous markings. Conversely, the Polish Air Force opted for low visibility checkerboards and markings to enhance operational stealth.

Currently, the initial batch of four Belgian F-35s is undergoing engine runs and additional flight testing. These aircraft will initially be based at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, where Belgian pilots will undergo training alongside other F-35 customers’ pilots and maintainers. The first F-35 aircraft is expected to arrive in Belgium at Florennes Air Base in 2025, with plans to base additional F-35s at Kleine-Brogel starting in 2027.

Belgium’s decision to procure 34 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets from Lockheed Martin was made in October 2018, aiming to replace the aging fleet of 54 F-16 Fighting Falcon jets that have served the Belgian Air Force since the late 1970s. Belgium’s acquisition of the F-35 not only includes the aircraft but also extends to engines, mission simulators, and extensive training for both pilots and maintenance crews, representing a substantial investment of $6.53 billion for the country.

The original plan was to deliver four F-35s to Belgium per year from 2023 to 2030, to gradually replace its fleet of 54 F-16 Fighting Falcon jets, which are being phased out between 2023 and 2028. The COVID-19 pandemic caused delays, affecting Lockheed Martin and its subcontractors and altering the delivery schedule. The revised plan aimed for the first two Belgian F-35As to be delivered by the end of 2023, followed by two more in the first quarter of 2024, though further changes have occurred.

Following the example of the Royal Danish Air Force, which was the first to feature a subdued version of the colored roundel and national flag, Belgium opted for a subdued color scheme, incorporating tones of red, yellow, and black to create distinctive yet less conspicuous markings. (Picture source: Instagram/Gherardo Fontana)

Initially, the Belgian F-35s were to be built with the new Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) upgrades, but these upgrades have been delayed. The TR-3 configuration is crucial as it includes both software and hardware upgrades necessary for the Block 4 upgrade and future improvements, serving as the IT backbone for all subsequent enhancements. All new production aircraft will receive TR-3, and it will be retrofitted on all F-35s already in service back to Lot 10. Lockheed Martin has confirmed that all the Belgian Air Force’s F-35s will be delivered in the TR-3 configuration.

Belgium joins a growing list of European nations to purchase the F-35 Lightning II to replace their aging fleets of fighter jets. As of 2024, twelve European countries, including the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Poland, Finland, Switzerland, Germany, Portugal, and the Czech Republic, will now be operating this 5th generation stealth fighter jet. Like the F-16, the F-35 will remain a key component of NATO’s aerial defense strategy against potential threats, particularly from Russia.

The F-35 Lightning II, primarily developed by Lockheed Martin, is a fifth-generation multirole combat aircraft designed for a variety of military operations, including air-to-air, air-to-surface, and electronic warfare. Utilizing advanced stealth technology to reduce its radar cross-section, the aircraft aims to enhance its survivability in hostile environments. Equipped with integrated electronic systems such as the Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) and Distributed Aperture System (DAS), it enhances reconnaissance and situational awareness capabilities, contributing to its effectiveness in missile defense and air combat. These systems enable the F-35 to monitor its surroundings and engage targets at significant distances.

Powered by a Pratt & Whitney F135 engine capable of delivering 43,000 pounds of thrust, the F-35 Lightning II can achieve a maximum speed of approximately Mach 1.6, equivalent to around 1,975 km/h. Regarding armaments, the F-35 can be outfitted with various weapons. It features internal bays capable of housing AIM-120C air-to-air missiles and GBU-32 JDAM guided bombs, among other munitions tailored for diverse mission requirements. With a standard weapon capacity exceeding 18,000 pounds, the F-35 can increase this load to 22,000 pounds in a configuration colloquially known as “beast mode.” The aircraft’s design incorporates stealth features to minimize its radar visibility, augmenting its effectiveness in combat scenarios where stealth capabilities are paramount.

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In August 2022, Colonel Maynard Mariano, spokesperson for the Philippine Air Force (PAF), highlighted that the KF-21 Boramae, a fighter jet developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), was considered a potential candidate for the country’s Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) project aimed at modernizing and enhancing its aerial capabilities. During the DSA 2024 event in Malaysia, a South Korean delegation discussed with Philippine officials the potential export of the KF-21 jet and submarines, as well as increasing purchases of FA-50 fighters.

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Korea Aerospace Industries KF-21 Boramae Fifth-Gen Multirole Fighter Jet 
(Picture source: Wikimedia)

According to an official statement from Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), specific cooperation measures fitting into the Philippines’ three-stage military modernization plan were deliberated with key Philippine officials. The focus was particularly on the KF-21, the FA-50, and submarines, which have piqued the interest of the Philippines.

The KF-21, which is still in its flight test phase, was presented as a serious contender to meet the needs of the MRF, although the program has not yet been funded. “Since the MRF has not yet received funding, the KF-21 could well compete in this program,” stated Colonel Mariano. He added that if Manila decided to acquire only the KF-21, it would encourage production tailored to the needs of the PAF for 2027-2029.

This development comes after a series of evaluations conducted by the Philippine Department of Defense, which had initially considered the F-16 Block 70 Viper from Lockheed Martin and the JAS-39 Gripen from Saab. Cost considerations led the PAF to explore other options, with the KF-21 emerging as a viable alternative.

The KF-21 is particularly notable for its integration of advanced technologies, including an AESA radar, a sophisticated electronic warfare suite, and targeting and reconnaissance pods, with 65% of its components locally designed in South Korea. However, much of its weaponry would come from MBDA.

Colonel Mariano concluded by emphasizing the importance of remaining open to new technologies, particularly in a context where prototyping stages can be accelerated due to technological advancements. “We cannot close our options when there is a new system capable of competing with others and that could meet our defense needs. In this era, prototyping of any system can be achieved much more quickly due to the availability of technology, and we might see it soon,” he asserted.

The final decision on the acquisition of new jets remains pending, but the KF-21 positions itself as a serious candidate to bolster Philippine air defense in the face of regional challenges, notably territorial claims in the South China Sea.

As a reminder, the Philippine Air Force currently uses a variety of aircraft, primarily focused on versatile roles and light attack capabilities. The FA-50PH jets, produced by Korea Aerospace Industries, make up the bulk of their current fighter fleet. These aircraft serve both training and combat roles, enhancing the air patrol and defense capabilities of the Air Force. The Philippine Air Force has acquired a total of 12 FA-50PH combat jets from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), with the delivery of the last jets completed in May 2017.

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The German Heron TP, an unmanned aerial system (UAS) developed in collaboration by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Airbus, conducted its first flight in German airspace
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The maiden flight of Germany’s Heron TP, an unmanned aerial system created through a partnership between Israel Aerospace Industries and Airbus, took place in German airspace (Picture source: Airbus)

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Destinus has unveiled two drone programs capable of making firing decisions. The “Hornet” is designed to destroy other drones, while the Destinus G is an unmanned fighter aircraft specialized in aerial combat.
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Project view of Destinus-G hypersonic UAV   (Picture source: Destinus )

Destinus first made a name for itself just a year ago with its hypersonic commercial aircraft project presented at the Paris Air Show and then at Vivatech. The Swiss startup, which now has an office in Paris, has concurrently been active in the military sector. This company, founded by Russian Mikhail Kokorich, also secretly supplied hundreds of drones to Ukraine.

Destinus initially developed the Lord, a drone designed for intelligence gathering, electronic jamming, and electromagnetic interception. This model does not use GPS and is not remotely piloted. An artificial intelligence analyzes the terrain it flies over.

A more sophisticated model, the Hornet, is in preparation, as revealed by the leader on BFM Business last January. In an interview given to the Finnish media Yle, Mikhail Kokorich detailed this program which aims not only at mapping or serving as a telecommunications relay. The Hornet will also be able to destroy Russian drones in flight thanks to an AI that enables it to track them.

Destinus, which plans to deliver these drones to Ukraine, contextualizes the topic by affirming that in Ukraine, the targets of the Hornet could be, for example, the slow-moving Shahed drones or Russian reconnaissance drones that reveal, for instance, the location of Ukrainian artillery.

In this interview with the Finnish press, Mikhail Kokorich expressed his desire to go even further. The leader announced that in 3 to 5 years, he will start the production of Destinus G, a new generation of drone. It would be an unmanned fighter jet capable of performing combat missions. It could become a shield against enemy aircraft, subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic missiles. This supersonic drone could be remotely piloted or operated by an AI.

Mikhail Kokorich has a rather astonishing background. This Russian engineer from Siberia left Russia after Vladimir Putin came to power. He officially announced on X (formerly Twitter) his decision to renounce his Russian citizenship.

He initially moved to the United States before going to Switzerland to launch the startup Destinus in 2021, whose headquarters are now in France. Michel Friedling, a former general of the Air and Space Force and the first commander of the Space (2019 to 2022), joined the board of the startup, which employs 170 people and has factories in Munich, Madrid, and Hengelo in the Netherlands.

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The U.S. Air Force has deployed several F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jets to South Korea, emphasizing the United States’ commitment to maintaining a robust defense posture in the Indo-Pacific region. According to an announcement made by the Department of Defense on May 12, 2024, these advanced aircraft arrived at Kunsan Air Base, located 178 kilometers south of Seoul.
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An F-22 Raptor, assigned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, flies over Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 13, 2024 (Picture source: US DoD)

The deployment of the F-22 Raptors is a significant move, showcasing the Pacific Air Forces’ ability to deploy, position, and redeploy forces from various strategic locations. The exact number of F-22 jets involved in this deployment has not been disclosed, but an image released by the U.S. 8th Fighter Wing shows at least four aircraft on the tarmac at Kunsan Air Base.

This marks the first public arrival of F-22 jets in South Korea since their appearance at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition in October of last year. The return of these stealth fighters after a seven-month absence is seen as a response to ongoing regional tensions and a demonstration of the U.S. Air Force’s operational flexibility.

Analysts suggest that the presence of the F-22 jets could pave the way for joint air drills with South Korean forces, potentially involving the country’s F-35A fighters. Such exercises would enhance the interoperability of the two allies’ air forces and demonstrate a united front in the face of potential threats. The F-22 Raptor, known for its advanced stealth capabilities, agility, and precision, plays a crucial role in maintaining air superiority. Its deployment to South Korea is part of broader efforts to ensure regional stability and reinforce defense commitments to allies.

The F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin for the United States Air Force. Production of the F-22 began in the late 1990s, with the first operational jets delivered in 2005. The aircraft officially entered service in December 2005.

The F-22 is known for its advanced stealth capabilities, supercruise (the ability to sustain supersonic flight without using afterburners), exceptional agility, and integrated avionics, making it a formidable asset for air superiority missions.

The F-22 Raptor is powered by two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 turbofan engines and is equipped with a sophisticated suite of sensors and avionics that provide unparalleled situational awareness. It has a maximum speed of Mach 2.25 and can operate at altitudes above 50,000 feet. The F-22’s primary role is to achieve and maintain air dominance, though it is also capable of ground attack, electronic warfare, and signal intelligence missions. Its combination of stealth, speed, agility, and advanced systems makes it one of the most advanced and capable fighter jets in the world.

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During the Balikatan military exercise in the Philippines, the U.S. Army’s 1st Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF) utilized the Kraus Hamdani Aerospace K1000 drone in Basco, as reported by the U.S. Department of Defense on May 6, 2024. This platform was deployed to fly over the South China Sea to gather data for the Extended Range Sensing and Effects Company.
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The K1000 solar-powered drone (Picture source: Kraus Hamdani Aerospace)

The 1st MDTF used the exercise to evaluate its organization and identify the best assets to support joint and coalition forces in scenarios where regional access may be contested. The bilateral exercise with the Philippine armed forces took place from April 11 to May 9.

Stationed in Basco on a volcanic island in the Batanes archipelago north of Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines, the ERSE Company’s base was set up in a small air-conditioned tent adjacent to the local commercial airport. Major Seth Holt, the commander of ERSE, stated from his operational center that his goal was to adapt his team to a flexible and easily adjustable multi-domain operational force.

The company includes three platoons specializing in electronic warfare, unmanned aircraft, and high-altitude capabilities like balloons, striving to maintain sensing capabilities from the ground up to about 100,000 feet within the electromagnetic spectrum, a crucial domain for communication management and weapons guidance in modern conflicts.

Troops used the K1000 drone to monitor areas of interest and collect significant data, which was then shared with Philippine forces, enhancing interoperability between the two nations. Although the K1000 is not an official program, it has been used in various trials and can fly for 76 hours on its solar panels, while remaining difficult to detect, often mistaken for a bird by radars.

Kraus Hamdani Aerospace, a California-based company, produces the K1000, a solar-powered vertical takeoff and landing drone designed to operate as a “pseudo-satellite” capable of data exchange across networked platforms. This advanced system, with a range of 1,000 miles and a maximum altitude of 20,000 feet, is equipped with lithium-ion photovoltaic propulsion and a folding propeller. It also features a user-friendly, “gamified” control interface that allows a single operator to manage a swarm of these drones.

In addition to drones, the ERSE Company also experimented with high-altitude balloons, using Urban Sky’s Stratospheric Microballoon, a non-polluting and hard-to-detect system that could potentially carry payloads to extend network capabilities.

The 1st MDTF initiative, established in 2018, is part of a series of multidomain task forces aimed at shaping the Army’s Multi-Domain Operations doctrine, formalized in 2022. These forces cover various operational theaters from the Indo-Pacific to Europe, designed to work in concert to optimize sensing and targeting capabilities.