In a significant turn within the context of European defense, Belgium has announced its intention to transfer part of the production of f-35 Lightning II hunting to Europespecifically to Italy. This decision is produced in the middle of an effort of the country for Comply with NATO military spending objectivesand as part of a strategic change against the growing distrust of the United States arms industry.
The Belgian Defense Minister, Theo Frankenrevealed that the country will increase its defense expenditure 3.9 billion euros in 2025thus reaching the goal of 2% of GDP committed to NATO. “Belgium went from being the founding father of NATO to the worst student of the class. This is already done, “he said on social networks.
European F-35 Production: A commitment to autonomy
Franken also confirmed that A dialogue with Italy has begun to manufacture more F-35 units in European territorywhich would have a double purpose: reinforce the industrial autonomy of the continent and generate employment within the European Union. “I asked the Italian Minister of Defense if we could produce additional F-35 in Italy instead of the United States. This would also create jobs in Europe,” said Belgian minister.
At the moment, Cameri’s plant (Italy) It is the only European installation where the F-35 are assembled, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin and the Italian consortium Leonardo.
Belgian Defense Strategic Fund
As part of this new approach, Belgium will also create a Strategic Defense Fundfinanced with dividends from public companies, which will be operational before July 1. Will be intended for Invest in defense and technological innovation capabilities in the sectorthus promoting a more independent military industry.
A changing geopolitical context
The Belgian initiative is part of a broader context in which Several allied countries of Ukraine have begun to diversify their military acquisitionsseeking to reduce the dependence of the American weapons.
United States, although it has not imposed formal restrictions, could limit access to the F-35 encryption keysa measure that generates concern in terms of Operational autonomy for partner countries.
Portugal and Canada They have already expressed interest in exploring Alternatives to American F-35and the Belgian movement could consolidate a European tendency towards greater sovereignty in defensestrengthening the continental industry against increasingly evident global tensions.