Belgium has inaugurated a new manufacturing facility dedicated to producing horizontal stabilizers for the F-35 stealth fighter, strengthening the country’s position within the global supply chain of the fifth-generation aircraft operated by the Air Force and several European partners. Located in the province of Hainaut, the facility represents another step in Brussels’ efforts to increase the participation of its defense industry in major international aerospace programs.
The project is being carried out through BeLightning, a joint venture bringing together Sonaca, ASCO and SABCA. Under the industrial arrangement, ASCO and SABCA will manufacture the structural components of the horizontal stabilizers, while Sonaca will be responsible for final assembly with support from Lockheed Martin. These critical flight-control surfaces, positioned on either side of the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, play a key role in maintaining aircraft stability and maneuverability while enduring significant aerodynamic and thermal stresses.
Belgium just marked a major F-35 industrial milestone. 🇧🇪
At Sonaca’s site in Gosselies, the BeLightning team — Sonaca, ASCO and SABCA — inaugurated a new production line for horizontal tail units, key structures at the rear of the aircraft that help keep the jet stable in… pic.twitter.com/Yq6wVVFMS8
— F-35 Lightning II (@thef35) June 8, 2026
The opening of the plant aligns with Belgium’s broader objective of securing a larger European industrial footprint within the F-35 program. Earlier this year, Belgian Minister of Defence Theo Francken emphasized the importance of maximizing European participation in the production and support network surrounding the aircraft, arguing that stronger local supply chains could generate both strategic and economic benefits for participating nations.
Belgium has also sought to complement its F-35 acquisition with equipment sourced from European defense manufacturers. In May, the country announced the procurement of Joint Strike Missile (JSM) cruise missiles produced by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to equip its future F-35 fleet. The decision places Belgium alongside other European operators such as Norway and Germany, while also joining a broader group of JSM users that includes the United States, Australia and Japan.
F-35 – Belgium
The expansion of Belgium’s industrial involvement comes as the country continues to increase its F-35 fleet. In July 2025, Brussels confirmed plans to acquire 11 additional aircraft beyond its original order of 34 fighters, a program initially valued at approximately $6.53 billion. The new aircraft are expected to be produced in Cameri, Italy, home to Europe’s most comprehensive F-35 manufacturing and maintenance facility.
Once all deliveries are completed, the Belgian Air Force will operate a total of 45 F-35 stealth fighters. While this figure remains below the 55-aircraft requirement previously identified by military planners, the expanded fleet is expected to significantly enhance Belgium’s air combat capabilities and further integrate the country into NATO’s growing network of fifth-generation fighter operators.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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