During its transatlantic flight, one of the four Belgian F-35A Lightning IIs was grounded in the Azores: history, causes, consequences, and surprise surrounding the Belgian case.
Summary
The Belgian army recently welcomed its first four F-35As from the United States with a stopover in the Azores. Three aircraft continued on without incident to Florennes Air Base, while the fourth, registered FL011, remained on site due to “technical uncertainty regarding its airworthiness.” The Belgian authorities described the stop as “unplanned maintenance,” without specifying the exact nature of the problem. This incident sparked a flood of comments, with some calling the mishap “the Belgian joke of the F-35 in the Azores.” This case once again raises questions about the operational reliability of the F-35, public acceptance of its purchase by Belgium, and the credibility of the program within NATO.
The event: a disrupted reception
Transit and stopover in the Azores
On October 13, 2025, the Belgian Air Component officially welcomed its first F-35As to Florennes. Three aircraft made the transatlantic journey from Fort Worth, Texas, with in-flight refueling and a stopover in the Azores, before landing at around 3:15 p.m. local time. However, one of the four aircraft (FL011) did not accompany them and remained parked in the Azores due to a lack of “confirmed flight capability.”
The breakdown: very unclear facts
Official information is very vague. The Belgian Ministry of Defense refers to “unplanned maintenance” or “technical uncertainty regarding its airworthiness.” The media outlet Aviation24 specifies that the aircraft was held for “unscheduled maintenance” in the Azores. Reddit and forums mention a possible engine problem, but this has not been confirmed by the authorities. Thus, the exact nature of the breakdown—hydraulic, engine, electronic, in-flight refueling system, or sensor—remains unknown.
The immediate impact
The grounded aircraft delayed (by about a week) the complete arrival of the initial block of four Belgian jets. This setback gave rise to ironic comments: the expression “the Belgian F-35 joke” was used in the press and on social media. For example, some Belgian internet users mocked the high cost of the aircraft—more than $120 million per unit—in light of this type of problem.
The context: why Belgium is buying the F-35
Replacing the F-16
Belgium chose the F-35 in 2018 to replace its aging fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons, which have been in service for over 40 years. The initial order is for 34 aircraft, with plans to acquire 11 more (for a total of 45). The F-35A is a fifth-generation fighter with stealth capabilities, sensor fusion, and network data link.
Operational expectations
Belgium thus intends to ensure full interoperability with NATO allies, strengthen deterrence, and modernize its air defense system. The arrival of the F-35s marks a major upgrade from the F-16s, both in terms of sensors and multi-role capability.
Technical analysis: what can be said about the failure?
Potential areas of failure during transatlantic flight
Transatlantic transit for a fighter such as the F-35A involves air refueling, prolonged use of onboard systems, temperature variations, and fuel pressure. A shutdown can result from a problem with refueling equipment, a critical sensor, an engine flap, or a hydraulic issue. The lack of official details makes it impossible to know which area was affected.
Response and safety protocol
The Belgian command justified the aircraft’s grounding with the following logic: “When there is the slightest doubt, we don’t fly.” This principle reflects a culture of safety and reliability, which is crucial in the acceptance phase of a new aircraft. This does not mean that the aircraft is out of service, but that it was not deemed “unreservedly ready” for flight.
Implications for the program’s availability and image
This incident highlights that even fifth-generation aircraft are not immune to technical hazards. For the F-35, already criticized for its high costs and availability rates that are sometimes considered low, every incident is scrutinized. Observers are wondering whether Belgium will be able to meet its availability targets and what the impact will be on the operating and maintenance budget.
The impact on public and political acceptance of the F-35 purchase
The political and media perspective
In Belgium, the purchase of the F-35s has been debated since 2018. Some members of the public and politicians considered the investment “excessive” for a medium-sized country. This incident in the Azores provides further ammunition for critics. The media ran ironic headlines, referring to it as a “joke,” which fuels doubts.
The effect on operator and public confidence
The perception of a technical problem affecting the very first delivery flight is symbolic. Even if it is a healthy precaution, it can generate a feeling of vulnerability. It is essential for the Belgian Air Force, and for Lockheed Martin, to demonstrate a rapid return to full operational capacity to prevent the issue from fueling skepticism in the debate on ownership costs (maintenance, spare parts, retrofitting).
Importance in the context of NATO and interoperability
Belgium has presented its acquisition as a clear commitment to European collective defense. If the F-35 were to accumulate delays or downtime, it could weaken its credibility within the allied system. The “block of more than 700 F-35s” in European airspace holds a symbolic place.
Lessons to be learned and prospects for Belgium
Rigorous monitoring of the first hours of operation
The acceptance and commissioning phase of the Belgian jets is critical. The authorities must document and correct any anomalies, document lessons learned, and ensure that the support logistics and maintenance chain are operational. The delay of one of the aircraft could be a signal—not a scandal—that safety rules are being enforced.
The question of overall cost and availability
Beyond the purchase, it is the maintenance costs and operational availability that will matter. The F-35 has been criticized for its moderate service rates. It is important for Belgium to establish clear indicators, parts inventories, and reliable training to prevent this incident from overshadowing other challenges.
Image management and symbolic interpretation
At the moment, the incident is highly visible in the media as an object of ridicule. The term “Belgian joke” reminds us that image matters. The Belgian government and army will need to communicate transparently about the causes, measures, and operational follow-up. This can be turned into an opportunity to demonstrate that Belgium applies high quality standards.
A transition phase of risk and hope
This stopover in the Azores symbolizes more than just a technical hiccup: it highlights the challenge that the transition to fifth-generation fighter jets represents for a medium-sized country. Belgium is replacing mature but aging F-16s with highly sophisticated F-35As. While the acquisition marks a technological and strategic leap forward, operational integration remains the most critical phase.
For now, the incident has no major impact on the overall schedule—the fourth aircraft was delivered later. ( However, Belgium must quickly confirm that its F-35s can fly in all NATO theaters and maintain a high level of availability. The debate will now focus not on the purchase but on the operation — and on proving that this investment serves Belgian sovereignty and collective commitment well.
Thus, the Azores incident remains a hiccup, but also a test of the program’s seriousness. Belgium, with its new F-35As, has the opportunity to show that it is not content with simply owning cutting-edge technology, but that it also knows how to master it.
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