Core Viewpoint - Belgium is facing public controversy over its procurement of 34 F-35 fighter jets from the United States, originally contracted in 2018 for a total price of €5.6 billion, with only 4 delivered so far and 1 delayed due to technical issues [1][3] Group 1: Procurement and Delivery Issues - The F-35 procurement contract was signed in 2018 for a total of €5.6 billion for 34 aircraft, with only 4 delivered to date and 1 delayed due to technical problems [1] - The high maintenance costs and operational challenges of the F-35 are raising concerns among Belgian officials and the public [3] Group 2: Training and Operational Challenges - Belgian Defense Minister Franke stated that the country's airspace is insufficient for conducting fighter jet training, necessitating collaboration with neighboring countries for airspace usage [3] - Belgian Air Force officials confirmed that the current airspace is too narrow for certain F-16 missions, indicating a need for continued complex exercises abroad [3] Group 3: Cost and Performance Comparisons - The operational cost of the F-35 is approximately €50,000 per flight hour, making it the most expensive operational fighter jet, with noise levels significantly higher than the F-16 [3] - French media have highlighted the advantages of the French "Rafale" fighter jet, claiming it has outperformed the F-35 in NATO simulated air combat last year and has lower operational costs [3]