The Belgian Air Component’s inaugural F-35 is progressing swiftly through its assembly phase.

As per an announcement on August 02, 2023, this fighter jet, dubbed AY-01, has reached the concluding stage of its assembly process at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth plant in Texas.

“The jet, known as AY-01, was moved out of the electronic mate and alignment system, where its four major components were joined together by an advanced system of lasers and sensors.” the release noted. As it transitions into the final assembly, the jet is set to have its canopy placed, its electronics vetted, and its engine incorporated.

Post these processes, AY-01 will move on to receive its discreet stealth coating.

As for its upcoming ventures, AY-01 is set to make its exit from the manufacturing unit later this year. It’s scheduled to make its preliminary base at the Luke Air Force Base in Arizona.

This location has been earmarked for the initial training sessions of the Belgian Air Force pilots in the U.S. Additionally, the aircraft’s first appearance on Belgian soil is anticipated in 2025 at the Florennes Air Base. By 2027, more F-35s will be stationed at Kleine-Brogel.

You can read more by clicking here.

Tom Dunlop
Tom Dunlop
Tom has spent the last 13 years working in the defence industry, specifically military and commercial shipbuilding. His work has taken him around Europe and the Far East, he is currently based in Scotland.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

48 COMMENTS

  1. Excellent news.

    Belgium Could Delay F-35 Acceptance Over Block 4 Upgrade DelaysAugust 03, 2023

    “Belgium’s government will reportedly delay acceptance of its first two Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighters over the late-running integration of the Block 4 upgrade. Brussels may put the delivery of the aircraft on hold for at least six months until the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) upgrade…”

    • Could this be another reason apart from Tech 3?

      May 31, 2023 at 12:22 PM

      “Block 4 modernization effort have grown 55 per cent above the $10.6 billion baseline set five years ago, the Government Accountability Office reported this week — and the congressional watchdog says they lack information to determine exactly why.”

      LINK

      • It’s expensive because it includes over 80 capability upgrades and 19 weapons integrations. Many of the upgrades are classified. And also includes a new radar. The APG-85. That alone would be a major project on other fast jets. Just look at the timeframe for ECRS MK2 for Typhoon as a very good example. IOC early 2030’s? Integration of the Striker 3 Digital Helmet Mounted Display for RAF Typhoon now won’t happen before 2027. That’s 1 upgrade. So let’s keep blk 4 in perspective. It’s a huge upgrade, that will form the basis of the aircrafts capability for the next 40 plus years. Many of the capabilitys will be classed as 6th gen capability. As F35 will operate alongside 6th gen platforms out to 2070+. Blk 4 will enable those capabilites. The Czech Republic looks like the next customer with 24 F35A’s to replace its fleet of leased Gripen’s JAS-39C/D’s. And negotiations have begun with Greece. Blk 4 delays and costs are not putting off new buyers.

        • Hi Robert,
          appreciate that its a huge technical undertaking, it still makes me bristle though with the constant delays/setbacks. Perhaps the whole project is just too big? Hindsight being wonderful of course…

          Do you not think that perhaps the real reason why F35 costs/delays aren’t putting off potential buyers is the fact that there is effectively nothing else other than 30+ yo 4th gen western aircraft (Typhoon/Grippen/Rafale etc)left to buy? The cynic in me certainly thinks that might well be the case, bit of a rock and a hard case sort of choice.
          Gates certainly knew what he was doing when he shit canned further F22 & Teen series aircraft development/buys. It basically left the West with a bit of a Hobsons choice with future aircraft procurement imo. Either you go 5th gen or you don’t…..

          • Hi mate. Yes, as the only 5th gen capability in mass production, it doesn’t leave a whole lot of other options. But if you want first night of war capability, and the ability to fight through a integrated air defence system and survive. The F35 is the only game in town. And after large amounts of multi national exercises, Air Force’s have had first hand experience of the level of capability it provides, as well as enhancing the capability of 4th gen platforms. Although it is expensive, but still comparable to Typhoon or other 4th gen aircraft. F35A is cheaper, and operating costs continue to fall, those platforms don’t provide the stealth and unrivalled situational awareness. Pilots love this aircraft. Headline costs are large sums of money as Nigel loves to share. But it would be the same for any fast jet built in the numbers F35’s will be, and spread over another 40 odd years. Delays are frustrating, but look how long its taking to get Typhoons first AESA radar in service. It will have been in service 27 years with the RAF before that happens. Another angle is, you don’t need as many assets to achieve the same outcome with F35. So it can save money in other areas of nations defence budgets. These countries have all the data that we will never see. And they like what they see. Being part of a global fleet also brings advantages. Training, commonality with allies, especially the US and western EU nations. And the advantages of mass over smaller numbers of Gripen, Rafale ect. Global supply chains and hub bases.

        • Block 4 F35A is just patiently waiting in the wings in case Tempest is cancelled….

          An RAF order for 150 F35A would be quite the feather in LM’s cap. I’m sure there’s already plenty of TSR2/F111 type comparisons going on in the shadows, with uncle Sam promising all sorts of offsets.

          The main F35 push from the Americans will come with the new government.

          History goes round and round again and keeps on repeating.

          I suppose playing devil’s advocate, either way the RAF get a very capable platform, I just hope they can find the necessary funding to push Tempest through main gate in 2025, as it promises another level of capability.

          • It does indeed. It has a long way to go. And surviving the politics and spending rounds will be more challenging then the technology. I still believe it has a real chance of success. But I’m not writing off some of these 6th gen projects merging, once the reality of the cost hits home. See what happens once the demonstrator sees the light of day. The USAF have already stated NGAD will cost a few hundred million each, and number only 200 or less manned airframes. The drone element of 6th gen systems will provide the bulk of the mass. Whatever happens with Tempest. F35 is going to be around for another 40 + years. And blk 4 will enable that growth over the decades. 👍 Thanks John.

        • The APG-85 is a separate contract with Northrop Grumman , not Lockheed. I think you are informed enough to know about this yet try to smoke and mirrors with the vast cost Lockheed its getting for its upgrades- many of which are carried over from Block 3 and never delivered for that.
          Even the TR-3 stage which is new processor and other things was delayed and other problems
          ‘But Block 4 has been delayed by trouble getting the TR-3 flight ready. In fact, delays and technical problems with the TR-3 account for a $330 million increase in the F-35’s development costs’

          • I think one problem is, many don’t fully understand the complexity and what is involved. TR-3 alone provides a integrated core processor with a 37 fold increase in computing power. 20 times the storage capacity. Two independent safety critical display processors for left and right cockpit displays. Enhanced software stability and much more. It’s the building block for blk 4. Yes, the APG-85 is separate, but is still coming in at a pretty rapid pace compared to other radar systems.

          • Still not part of Lockheeds work like you suggested .

            The APG-85 will very likely be a tech refresh of the existing radar like its predecessor grew from the F-22 earlier radar – both made by Westinghouse /Northrop Grumman
            It was Lockheeds original idea to have a single main core processor and a few years back that was split into separate upgrades with new Processors TR-2 [sensor data] and TR-3 [ mission software, which includes flight controls, weapons systems, and communication systems]
            Its so complicated Im sure Ive got some of those details wrong .
            the 360 deg ‘aperture’ system is all new having ditched the previous contractor to a new one from Raytheon. Expensive waste that was

            But having 2 different TR programs, and again you and they promised the moon in what they can do that was promised for the intial versions for back around 2012.

          • Hi Duker and without the exaggerated “37 fold” number!

            TR-3 will bring 25 times more computing power, plus more memory and a new panoramic cockpit display,

          • Its a computer this is nothing especially startling as the pace of development in chips is dramatic – and at similar costs to before – but not when Lockheed is involved.

            The delays alone to TR3 were $330 mill on top of the original $713 TR3 development cost. This was just a ‘step’ from Block 3 to the future block 4 – which will include many Block 3 capabilities never delivered and some new ones

            I feel a block 4A coming on where they declare victory with only part of the changes at most of the cost

      • “Lets keep it in perspective” plus the cost of upgrading the engine.

        “Overtaxed F-35 engines rack up $38 billion in extra maintenance costsJune 2023

        US government auditors say a failure to improve output and cooling capacity on the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine powering the Lockheed Martin F-35, while simultaneously increasing the load from heat-producing sensors and radar, has significantly increased wear on the powerplant and the cost of keeping the fifth-generation type flying.”

        Any news on Meteor/Spear Cap3 FOC? 2030s I hear.

        Cost of additional coatings to repair rust?

        Flying in thunderstorms?

        Or even the full-rate production timeline?

        DoD delays key F-35 tests, lowering chance of 2023 production decision

        “But the JSE is still not ready, even after years of work. And that late August goal for finishing the trials is considered “at risk” by the DOT&E because more problems and delays with the verification, validation and accreditation process could still be found.”

          • Indeed, we will have to wait for the 2030s before it can fire Meteor & Spear Cap3 plus any other missiles that require Block 4 software.

            Meanwhile.

            The New Korean KF-21 Fighter Successfully Launched the Meteor Missile And Showed the 20mm Gun Production

            First flight 19 July 2022 Introduction 2026 (planned)
            Speed: Mach 1.8 maximum range: 1801.976 miles.

          • But can an idiot understand what it actually says?

            UK DELAYS FULL OPERATING CAPABILITY FOR F-35B FLEET BY TWO YEARS

            REPLY FROM THE FLIGHT DECK

            “FOC delay is due to manning shortages. Not because of the aircraft. Even an idiot knows that.”

            Here’s some old news Nigel 😂😂😂

            Sound familiar and still not signed off on full-rate production yet? THE CLUES IN THE DATE!

            MARCH 10, 2013

            Exclusive – Retrofits to add $1.7 billion to cost of F-35: GAO report

            “It said the F-35 program, which has been subject to massive delays and cost overruns and now has a price tag close to $400 billion, met most of its management objectives in 2012.

            But it still faced big costs because of earlier decisions to start building planes before development and testing were further along. A final report is due out next week.”

            HOW MANY AIRCRAFT HAVE BEEN BUILT WITHOUT BEING TESTED 😂😂😂

          • FOC delay is due to manning shortages. Not because of the aircraft. Even an idiot knows that.

        • 980 aircraft delivered. Time you got onboard Nigel. Same old replys. Anyone would think you have missed me Nigel 😉

        • NEWS FROM THE FLIGHT DECK

          “Old articles again in desperation. 🥱”

          THE SAME ONGOING AND UNRESOLVED PROBLEMS AT GREAT EXPENSE

          “But if you want first night of war capability, and the ability to fight through a integrated air defence system and survive. The F35 is the only game in town.”

          “Old articles again in desperation. 🥱”

          TRY READING AND UNDERSTANDING THEM

          “At the same time, Hinote’s comments about the F-35A are notable in their own right. “We wouldn’t even play the current version of the F-35,” Hinote told Defense News.

          “It wouldn’t be worth it,” he continued. “Every fighter that rolls off the line today is a fighter that we wouldn’t even bother putting into these scenarios. The Lieutenant General also cited the F-35As limited range in the context of an Indo-Pacific scenario as an issue”

          • 😄 Nice try. Maybe he’s playing politics…? don’t you think…..? Would that be the same F35’s that are currently stationed in Eastern Europe that they wouldn’t use? If they wouldn’t use F35, then they definitely wouldn’t use F16, F15E,C,EX, A10, or earlier versions of the F22. Because they would really be useless in these war games…… Don’t you think? Use your head, Nigel. Stop trying to pretend you know more than the Air Force’s of the world. It’s really rather silly. 🫡

      • Thank god we have a large defence budget to cover the possibility of 70+ aircraft.
        Australia to require AUD14.6 billion to sustain F-35 fleet to 2053

        “The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) said that AUD623 million has been spent so far on sustaining the fleet of 48 aircraft from 2015 to 30 June 2021. AVM Phillips added that the 2021–22 budget sustainment cost was AUD314 million.

        Sustainment costs are set to rise as the air force continues to induct F-35 aircraft, officials said. In fiscal year (FY) 2020–21, the RAAF started with 22 aircraft.

        “We have grown that to 37 aircraft. By the end of this financial year, we expect to be at 54 aircraft … As we increase our fleet, we have a commensurate increase in our sustainment costs for those aircraft,” AVM Phillips said.

        He added that a budget of AUD1.613 billion was approved at the end of the 2021 financial year to sustain the fleet to 2024–25. Sustainment costs for FY 2022–23 are expected to be AUD328 million.”

    • Well it’s certainly not a good look for the program as a whole is it?
      You do have to wonder if we might already have our Tranche 2 F35’s (some at least) if it wasn’t for these constant delays with both TR3 and BLK 4 upgrades?

      • Indeed, and the weapons that we require to arm it.

        31 May 2023
        According to a report by U.S. govt auditors, the Pentagon may require an additional $38 billion to cover maintenance costs stemming from technical issues that the F-35 jets programme faces. The report states that the fighter jet programme continues to face schedule delays, rise in costs and late deliveries.

      • I found this interesting. It will also include an internal weapons bay on later models.

        First flight 19 July 2022 Introduction 2026 (planned)

        March 29, 2023The New Korean KF-21 Fighter Successfully Launched the Meteor Missile And Showed the 20mm Gun Production
        LINK

        • “Due to costs and technology limitations, South Korea did not pursue an internal weapons bay for the first two blocks of the KF-21. Korea Aerospace Industries recently announced it is planning to propose a Block 3 variant to the South Korean Air Force with an internal weapons bay and enhanced low-observable technology features.

          “MBDA continues to support the KF-21 program through integration support, test missiles and in-country support,” a spokesperson tells Aerospace DAILY.

          “The missile release is an important milestone in validating the aircraft systems and the missile separation. Due to the pace and progress of the KF-21 aircraft program and the need to deliver its initial operational capability, MBDA’s support will continue to build through 2023 both in-country and remotely.” 

          https://img.gta5-mods.com/q95/images/kai-kf-21-boramae-add-on/89d408-1.jpg

          • Sensible folks the the South Koreans. They are also buying F35. Along with your other flavours of the month, Australia and Poland. Good to see they are taking home defence seriously 🫡👌

          • And as for Australia 😂

            “There’s a problem with Australia’s brand new fighter jet – it’s just not that reliable. As a result, it flies about 25% less than it should. Less flying means fewer well-trained pilots, but it also hints at other problems lurking in the background.

            “BAE Systems and the Australian government have announced the establishment of a new aircraft coating facility at the company’s Williamtown aerospace Precinct. It’s part of a broader expansion of the facility to accommodate future sustainment for the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) fleet of F-35 aircraft.2 days ago”

            Guaranteed work for some just like funeral directors 😂

  3. Thanks for comments on my query regarding Belgium’s F35 buy. The Harrier operated successfully from ships and shore so whilst the F35A gives significant performance pluses versus the B variant, the latter does have a versatility that is useful on both land and short decks/runways so in several scenarios trade speed and range for not having to rely on long and conventional concrete runways?
    On the subject of Tempest and the possible F35A swop compared to the TSR2-F111-Phantom debacle, surely Tempest is a last chance project for the UK that must be pursued otherwise we simply end up as sub contractors for the American Military industry?
    As to the F35’s problem areas, here is a comparative scenario from my youth. The Land Rover in the early 60’s was the 4×4 of choice over most of Africa. Along comes Toyota with an off road vehicle that outperforms the Landie in every department but especially RELIABILITY. Same with my dad’s XJ6. Beautiful ground breaking design-fast, luxurious, handled like a sports car BUT oil leaks, thirsty, bonnet kept popping open, constant niggly faults. I wondered why BL,Jag, etc. didn’t simply look at the faults from customer feedback and look closely at the build of the Toyota Landcruiser and sort the problems out??!
    So with the benefit of the F35’s troubled history, learn some lessons BEFOREHAND from their mistakes. I know military hardware is incredibly complex compared to the days of the Spitfire but still surely such an approach would be beneficial? Japan built it’s motor car industry by copying amongst others,British cars such as Austins. They also apparently had a facility they named Britain so they could mark the product made in Britain!!!😃

    • Back in the day UK had some great Aviation projects some made the runway to be cut for political reasons and others sadly never got of the drawing board .Good post 🍺 oh bye way your right about JAGS there my favourite 🤗

      • Yes Andrew. TSR2 and others! My Dad had 6 Jags-3.8 Mk2, then a 2.8 Litre XJ6 followed by 4 of 4,2 models including a LWB XJ made in England under the leadership of South African Sir Michael Edwardes. The last was a very well built motor car so Mike had turned the Company around in more ways than one!
        Cheers

    • I think we have had plenty of time to learn and build with these issues in mind, not least the software issues.

      Sound familiar and still not signed off on full-rate production?

      MARCH 10, 2013

      Exclusive – Retrofits to add $1.7 billion to cost of F-35: GAO report
      “It said the F-35 program, which has been subject to massive delays and cost overruns and now has a price tag close to $400 billion, met most of its management objectives in 2012. But it still faced big costs because of earlier decisions to start building planes before development and testing were further along. A final report is due out next week.”

  4. Not forgetting the DOT&E/DOD either or is it just the plain facts?

    The F-35 program made steady progress in FY22 to prepare the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) for the 64 JSE test trials required to complete IOT&E. The current estimated completion of IOT&E trials in the JSE is the end of August 2023, a date that DOT&E considers at risk, due to the possibility of further discoveries of deficiencies and potential delays in the verification, validation, and accreditation (VV&A) process.

    The F-35 program continues to field immature, deficient, and insufficiently tested Block 4 mission systems software to fielded units. The operational test (OT) teams continue to identify deficiencies that require software corrections and, with them, additional time and resources.

    The F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) has not adequately planned for operational testing of the upgraded hardware configuration, referred to as Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3), that is currently scheduled to be delivered in production Lot 15 aircraft, beginning in 4QFY23. Additionally, the necessary flight test instrumentation (including both aircraft and Open Air Battle Shaping (OABS) instrumentation) for both the remaining Technology Refresh 2 (TR-2) and upgraded TR-3 OT aircraft is not all on contract and will not be available, so OT squadrons may not have sufficient test aircraft with adequate capability or sufficient time to test new capabilities before operational employment. 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here