Belgium to buy F-35 Fighter jets from the USA for $6.5B

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Belgium of thirty-four (34) F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Conventional Take Off and Landing aircraft for an estimated cost of $6.53 billion.  The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

F-35 Strike fighter Jet

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of an ally and partner nation which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political and economic stability in Western Europe.

f-35A

This proposed sale of F-35s will provide Belgium with a credible defense capability to deter aggression in the region and ensure interoperability with U.S. forces.  The proposed sale will augment Belgium’s operational aircraft inventory and enhance its air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense capability.  Belgium will have no difficulty absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces.

The Jets will be built by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth, Texas; and Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, East Hartford, CT.

source: Office of Congressional & Public Affairs/US State Dept. 

Trendy Africa Magazine is an accredited to the Foreign Press Center at the US State Department

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