Belgium’s Air Force welcomed its first three F35 fighter jets on Monday at Florennes Air Base in the south of Belgium and were welcomed by King Philippe of Belgium.

The air force is replacing and retiring its fleet of F16 fighter jets that are nearly 40 years old.

F35 pilot Lt. Colonel Tanguy “Cortex” Five said his new fighter jet is ideal for defending against enemy drones.

“With the sensor that I have, I am able to detect those small threats flying low and very, very slow, and I am the only able to do that with that aircraft in the world,” he said.

Belgium’s Chief of Defense, Frederik Vansina said the new aircraft give their pilots an "unmatched operational advantage."

“Seeing further, reacting faster and striking with precision before the enemy even realizes they are there. In modern warfare, that makes all the difference,” said Vansina.

Belgium will continue to grow its fleet of F35's to 34 in total by 2030.

AP Video by Mark Carlson.