Belgium confronts issues with its F-35 fighter jet purchase

Belgium faces a scandal over its purchase of F-35 fighter jets, deemed too expensive, noisy, and impractical for the nation. The jets require more airspace than Belgium possesses, necessitating agreements with neighboring countries for training flights. Additionally, their significantly louder engines are causing concern among residents near airbases. The F-35s also have a high operational cost, with each flight hour costing approximately 50,000 euros. Belgium ordered 34 jets for 5.6 billion euros and has received four so far.