Belgium opts to replace its outdated F-16s with the American F-35, also known   
   as the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). The government has decided on Thursday   
   against severe opposition.   
       
   Belgium buys 34 fighter planes for around 3.4 billion Euro. The first aircraft   
   are expected from 2023 onwards.   
       
   The F-35 from manufacturer Lockheed Martin beats the Eurofighter Typhoon from   
   a British-German-Spanish-Italian consortium. The French Rafale also was in the   
   running.   
       
   Countries such as the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Italy, Norway and Denmark   
   have also ordered F-35s. Earlier this month, a JSF crashed in the US and the   
   whole US fleet was grounded, it cast a shadow over the quality of the   
   aircraft. In the meantine it is certain that there's more to the deal than   
   just defense considerations.   
       
   Belgium remembers the F16-deal where General Dynamics delivered a watered down   
   version which in combat against USAF F16s would stand no chance. In the end   
   French subcontractors needed to modify the Belgian F16s for example to upgrade   
   them with ECM (electroning counter measures).    
      
   --- D'Bridge 3.99 SR33   
    * Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)