14.10.2025 00:13
While the resolution of the F-35 issue between Turkey and the USA is awaited, the Belgian Air Force has received its first three F-35 fighter jets from Florennes Air Base.
Belgium has received three F-35 fighter jets that it has long awaited from the USA.
BELGIUM RECEIVES F-35 AIRCRAFT
The Belgian Air Force has received its first three F-35 fighter jets from Florennes Air Base. King Philippe of Belgium (right 2), Belgian Minister of Defense and Foreign Trade Theo Francken (right 3), attended the delivery ceremony symbolizing the modernization of the Belgian army and the strengthening of cooperation within NATO.
THE PROCESS OF TURKEY'S REMOVAL FROM THE F-35 PROGRAM
NATO member Turkey was officially removed from the F-35 program in 2021 after purchasing the S-400 missile defense system from Russia in 2019, which had a total cost of $2.5 billion.
The USA and NATO viewed Turkey's purchase of this system as a problem for defense integration within the alliance; they warned that the Russian S-400 system posed a threat to the alliance's defense and could collect intelligence related to the F-35s.
Due to this system purchased from Russia, Turkey was subjected to sanctions under the law known as the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).