Belgian, U.S. F-35 pilots build interoperability during first FENIX program at RAF Lakenheath

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sierra Casteel
  • 48 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  

For the first time, Belgian student and instructor pilots joined U.S. Air Force instructor pilots at RAF Lakenheath for the F-35 Emulated Non-Operational Flight Program Interoperability Experience, or FENIX, Aug. 21, 2026.

The first integrated group of 19 pilots completed the five-day program as part of training for a new generation of Belgian Air Force F-35 pilots assigned to the 312th Fighter Squadron. The training marked the latest phase of a pilot development process spanning two continents, expanding opportunities for pilots from both nations to develop within a shared F-35 training environment.

FENIX gave Belgian pilots the chance to fly side-by-side in a simulated eight-jet formation, practicing large, complex missions that are difficult and costly to practice with real aircraft. The simulators let pilots quickly reset and repeat challenging scenarios, building experience and refining coordination with allied partners faster than live flying alone would allow. 

“I've been really happy with the level of training that Lakenheath has allowed us to provide to our young pilots,” said Belgian Air Force Maj. Nicolas Verbraken, 312th FS senior national representative and F-35A Lightning II aircraft instructor pilot. “With this training, we will be able to provide high-quality pilots straight from training to the combat units back in Belgium.”

The U.S. Air Force has long used Luke Air Force Base as a hub for training international F-35 pilots. After completing initial training, student and instructor pilots can continue their development in connected simulators at RAF Lakenheath, allowing pilots with different backgrounds and experience levels, including seasoned F-16 pilots transitioning to the F-35, to learn from one another. 

“A large benefit for the Belgians is the reintegration of their F-35 pilots: those who trained at Luke Air Force Base, graduated and then returned to Belgium and their new pilots who are just now completing training,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Justin Miller, 312th Fighter Squadron F-35A Lightning II aircraft instructor pilot. “It’s great to see them all together, learning from one another.”

Throughout FENIX, U.S. and Belgian pilots practiced complex mission sets while building familiarity with each other's tactics and procedures, strengthening their ability to integrate during future operations. 

“That is the strength of the F-35 program. It's the community around the aircraft,” said Belgian Air Force Lt. Col. Tanguy Five, 1st Squadron commanding officer. “So many countries have the F-35, and we have the same training, we have the same simulator, so we speak the same language. Training together helps advance our combat readiness way faster than we'd be able to without any support.”

Belgian and American pilots have trained and flown alongside one another for decades on the F-16, and Belgium is now building that same foundation of trust and interoperability on the F-35. Programs like FENIX strengthen those relationships early, preparing Belgian and U.S. F-35 forces to integrate more effectively during future operations.