Belgium to boost air force with 11 additional F-35 fighter jets for NATO missions
Photo: Belgium to purchase a large batch of F-35 aircraft (mil.be)
The Ministry of Defense of Belgium announced plans to significantly strengthen the armed forces as part of preparations for participation in high-intensity NATO operations. In particular, the country will additionally purchase 11 F-35 aircraft, according to the Ministry of Defense of Belgium.
According to the Strategic Vision document, developed with the participation of Defense Minister Theo Francken, the country will additionally purchase 11 F-35 fighters from the US. They will be delivered in addition to the previously ordered 34 aircraft.
Belgium also intends to purchase an anti-submarine frigate and a logistics support vessel. The military plans to equip the forces with dozens of naval and aerial drones of various types. These measures are part of a broad program to modernize the country’s military capabilities.
The document states that by 2035, 140 billion euros will be allocated for defense. Of this, 34 billion euros will go to the purchase of new weapons, including aircraft, ships, and drones.
Europe strengthens its army
Earlier, Ukraine’s European allies had planned to turn to the European Union for loans worth tens of billions of euros to purchase weapons for Kyiv, as well as to modernize their own armed forces.
Additionally, earlier, the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, emphasized that Germany must increase the number of soldiers to 460,000. This applies to both reservists and active-duty military personnel.
According to him, such some soldiers can be ensured either through voluntary or mandatory military service.
It was also reported that Poland is preparing a large-scale military qualification in 2026 – more than 200 thousand people will be called to the medical commission. Draft notices will be sent not only to men.
