Belgium’s F-35 Purchase..11 Jets Uncertain as Vooruit Voices Strong Doubts

Belgium's F-35 Purchase in Doubt as Vooruit Raises Concerns

The eleven F-35s are unlocked, but questions on affordability linger as Belgium prepares to order them by 2032-33, linking defense and tax deals.

Marie Dupont2 July 2025Last Update : 3 weeks ago

Aankoop van 11 extra F-35's is “nog niet beslist”, Vooruit heeft nog twijfels

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The purchase of eleven extra F-35 fighter jets has taken centre stage in Belgian defence and fiscal policy discussions. Following the recent agreement on the capital gains tax, vice-premier David Clarinval confirmed on RTBF radio that the federal government is now poised to unblock the acquisition of these jets, a move anticipated to reshape Belgium’s military capabilities by 2032-2033.

6 Key Takeaways

Eleven F-35 jets unlocked for purchase
Morewaardebelasting agreement triggers F-35 order
Vooruit demands affordability discussions on F-35s
Strategic Vision links F-35s and tax deal
Negotiations continue before final government approval
Prime Minister to hold new core cabinet meeting

Originally, the Flemish party Vooruit had linked the F-35 procurement to the crucial capital gains tax dossier, ensuring both issues would be addressed together. The deal, reached by 2025-07-01 23:17:00, signals progress but also raises questions about budget priorities and long-term defence strategy.

With the tax agreement secured, the purchase of the eleven jets seems imminent. But what does this mean for Belgium’s defence budget and political negotiations going forward? The evolving discourse invites closer examination.

Fast Answer: Belgium’s federal government has cleared the way to order eleven additional F-35 jets after resolving the capital gains tax dispute, marking a key step in modernising the Belgian Air Force by the early 2030s.

While the purchase appears set, several important questions remain. How will the government balance the high costs of these jets with other fiscal commitments? And will political consensus hold as the timeline extends over the next decade? Key points to consider include:

Vooruit’s cautious stance on affordability and budget impact
The reduction of requested jets from 21 to 11, reflecting negotiation compromises
The strategic vision aligning defence upgrades with fiscal reforms
The upcoming cabinet discussions expected to finalise the deal

This development highlights Belgium’s delicate balancing act between defence ambitions and fiscal responsibility, a challenge that resonates strongly with citizens concerned about public spending and national security.

As Belgium moves closer to upgrading its air capabilities, continued transparency and dialogue will be essential. Will the government manage to maintain political unity and public support? The next steps in the cabinet negotiations will be crucial in shaping Belgium’s defence future.