Belgium receives first F-35 fighter jet at Florennes Air Base

FLORENNES, Belgium - Belgium welcomed its first F-35A Lightning II fighter jet to be stationed in the country at Florennes Air Base on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of the Belgian Air Force. The aircraft is manufactured by Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), a prominent player in the Aerospace & Defense industry with a market capitalization of $116.75 billion. InvestingPro data shows the company has maintained strong profitability, with revenues reaching $71.84 billion in the last twelve months.

The arrival ceremony was hosted by the Belgian Air Force with Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) representatives in attendance. The aircraft is part of Belgium’s order of 34 F-35A jets, with 11 delivered so far. Eight others are currently stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona for pilot and maintenance crew training. For investors tracking Lockheed Martin’s performance, InvestingPro reveals the company has maintained dividend payments for 42 consecutive years, demonstrating strong financial stability. Get access to detailed analysis and 8 additional exclusive ProTips with an InvestingPro subscription.

"With the F-35, Belgium is reclaiming its place among the world’s leading air forces, equipped with the most advanced technology, integrated within a multinational and interconnected environment," said Major General Geert De Decker, Commander of the Belgian Air Force, according to the press release.

Belgium recently announced plans to procure an additional 11 F-35As, which would increase its total fleet to 45 aircraft.

The F-35 program involves 20 allied nations, including 13 in Europe, with more than 1,900 global suppliers. Currently, over 1,245 F-35s are operational worldwide, having accumulated more than 1 million flight hours across 50 bases in 10 different countries. This extensive program contributes to Lockheed Martin’s robust financial position, with analysts predicting continued profitability. Discover comprehensive insights about LMT’s financial health and growth potential through the detailed Pro Research Report, available exclusively on InvestingPro.

General Frederik Vansina, Chief of Defence of the Belgian Armed Forces, described the growing European F-35 fleet as "a wall of F-35s - a shield of over 700 aircraft securing our European skies."

The F-35A is a fifth-generation stealth fighter designed for air superiority and ground attack missions. Belgium’s acquisition is part of a broader NATO effort to modernize air capabilities across the alliance.

In other recent news, Lockheed Martin has secured multiple defense contracts totaling over $1.4 billion, including a significant $647 million contract modification for Trident II missile production and deployed systems support. This contract, which may increase to nearly $746 million with additional options, includes a Foreign Military Sale to the United Kingdom, with work anticipated to be completed by September 2030. Furthermore, Denmark is nearing an order of 16 Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets, valued at up to 29 billion Danish kroner, to enhance its current fleet. Denmark has already received 21 of the 27 F-35s it ordered in 2016, and this new order is part of a broader $8.5 billion investment in defense capabilities. This investment plan focuses on strengthening Denmark’s presence in Greenland and includes the purchase of new Arctic patrol vessels and other military enhancements. Additionally, Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has transformed a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter into an autonomous unmanned aircraft system named the S-70UAS U-Hawk. The U-Hawk, which features 25% more cargo space than a typical Black Hawk, was unveiled at the Association of the United States Army exposition.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.