Belgian government approves purchase of additional F-35 jets

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - Belgium's federal government approved a new strategic vision for defense, including the purchase of 11 additional F-35 fighter jets, Defense Minister Theo Francken announced on Friday.

The jets, manufactured in Italy, are expected to bring "a very large economic return" to the Belgian economy, Francken said following the Council of Ministers meeting, according to the Belga news agency.

As part of the defense package, the government also adopted the "Ammunition Readiness Plan 2025" with an initial investment of €2.3 billion ($2.6 million) this year.

"The war in Ukraine shows that ammunition consumption is immense, which is why we need to enter into strategic partnerships with manufacturers to keep production lines operational," Francken said.

The multi-year plan aims to address structural ammunition shortages and covers a wide range of ammunition types and weapon systems, including 155 mm artillery shells, mortar rounds, and anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles for land forces.

Various missiles will also be procured for the navy to counter threats in the air, on land, on water, and underwater. For the air component, the plan provides for the acquisition of different types of guided missiles, designed for both air defense and long-range precision strikes.

For the first time, Belgium will also invest in cruise missile capabilities with the Joint Strike Missile (JSM).