Belgium to Produce Horizontal Tail for F-35 Fighter Jets

A part of the global F-35 fighter fleet fleet will be equipped with a  horizontal tail made in Belgium. This component will be developed within the BeLightning joint venture: Asco and Sabca will produce the components, while Sonaca will be responsible for the assembly.

The horizontal tail is located at the rear of the aircraft, close to the engine, and is subjected to heavy loads. The assembly consists of two movable stabilizers that ensure balanced flight and responsiveness to steering movements.

This follows Belgium’s intention to participate in the F-35 industrial supply chain after procuring F-35 jets. “We want to make the F-35 as European as possible, and there’s a lot of opportunities and possibilities when it comes to securing an agreement on local supply chain financial gains," Belgium defense minister, Theo Francken was quoted as saying to Breaking Defense.

“From an operational point of view, horizontal stabilizers are indispensable for the operation and control of the aircraft,” explains the Director of Systems for the Belgian F-35A program. “Without properly functioning stabilizers, a modern fighter aircraft is neither stable nor maneuverable.”

Due to the technical complexity and the required accuracy, production demands a specialized approach. Within the F-35 program, Belgium makes a targeted industrial contribution based on existing expertise in aviation.

Production will be distributed across three sites: Sabca Limburg for composites, Asco Industries for metal parts, and Sonaca for final assembly, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems.

The production of the horizontal tail strengthens Belgium's position within international defense and aerospace projects.