Belgium is thinking in a European way when it comes to the F-35 fighter jet – is there now movement in the Swiss procurement debate?
Feb 16, 2026, 5:41 p.mFeb 16, 2026, 5:41 p.m
While Switzerland recently had to reduce its F-35 procurement due to additional costs, Belgium is taking a remarkably different approach: Brussels wants to buy additional fighter jets – but is closely linking the deal to industrial considerations in Europe. An approach that is likely to trigger discussions in this country too.
F-35 pilot Tanguy “Cortex” Five, commander of the Belgian F-35 squadron in one of the first Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft.Image: keystone
On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken confirmed that his country is examining the purchase of eleven more F-35A fighter jets. A corresponding contract is to be signed “this year”, as the specialist portal “Breaking Defense” reported at the weekend. Belgium has already ordered 34 machines, eleven of which have been delivered.
But the number of units is less important than the political message: “We want to make the F-35 as European as possible,” said Francken. This refers to substantial industrial participation and value creation in Europe. The final assembly of additional jets will take place in Cameri, Italy – where Italian and Dutch F-35s are already being manufactured.
Industrial value creation before price debate
Belgium explicitly links procurement to the expansion of domestic industry. Last October, Brussels concluded an agreement with engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney: the company Safran Aero Boosters will be allowed to manufacture components of the F135 engine in Belgium in the future. The Flemish supplier BMT Aerospace is also involved. The aim is an innovative manufacturing concept for central engine parts.
Parts of the F-35 jet may now be manufactured in Belgium.Image: keystone
When Francken was asked about possible price increases like those in Switzerland, he evaded the question of costs – and focused again on industrial returns. He said they had a “very good meeting” with Lockheed Martin boss Jim Taiclet. The political focus is clearly on strategic value creation, not primarily on unit price.
This is a delicate contrast for Switzerland. Bern had ordered 36 F-35As, but effectively reduced the procurement in December after the US claimed an estimated additional charge of around $610 million. The dispute over fixed prices and contract interpretation damaged trust and fueled criticism at home.
Switzerland was also promised industrial participation when choosing the type. But the current debate primarily revolves around additional costs and contractual risks; less about the question of how procurement could be strategically embedded into a European industrial policy.
This perspective is gaining in importance, especially against the background of growing geopolitical tensions between Europe and the USA – from the Arctic to the international security order. Despite political differences, European F-35 orders remain on track. But countries like Belgium are clearly trying to mitigate their dependence on the USA through greater European integration.
Federal Councilor Martin Pfister during a visit to the maintenance hall for the F/A-18 aircraft. During the tour he found out about the work on the F-35 and investments in the region.Image: keystone
Switzerland in a dilemma
This raises a fundamental question for Switzerland: Should it concentrate on procurement that is as cheap as possible – or should it focus more on long-term industrial and security policy integration in Europe?
The Belgian approach shows that even with a US arms deal there could be scope for European value creation – be it through assembly, engine production or supply chains. The F-35 remains an American system. But the question of how European it can – or should become – remains open. Belgium provides a confident answer to this. (aargauerzeitung.ch)