Belgium opts to replace its outdated F-16s with the American F-35, also
known as the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). The government has decided on
Thursday against severe opposition.
 
Belgium buys 34 fighter planes for around 3.4 billion Euro. The first
aircraft are expected from 2023 onwards.
 
The F-35 from manufacturer Lockheed Martin beats the Eurofighter Typhoon
from a British-German-Spanish-Italian consortium. The French Rafale also
was in the running.
 
Countries such as the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Italy, Norway and
Denmark have also ordered F-35s. Earlier this month, a JSF crashed in the
US and the whole US fleet was grounded, it cast a shadow over the quality
of the aircraft. In the meantine it is certain that there's more to the
deal than just defense considerations.
 
Belgium remembers the F16-deal where General Dynamics delivered a watered
down version which in combat against USAF F16s would stand no chance. In
the end French subcontractors needed to modify the Belgian F16s for example
to upgrade them with ECM (electroning counter measures). 

--- D'Bridge 3.99 SR33