A Major Milestone for Asco – and a Success for the Entire Montana Aerospace Group
Our colleagues at Asco, together with the Belgian industrial consortium BeLightning—which brings together the expertise of Asco, Sabca, and Sonaca—have achieved a significant milestone: the delivery of the first fully Belgian-manufactured horizontal tail for the fifth-generation F-35 fighter aircraft.
This achievement represents far more than the completion of a highly complex structural assembly. It is the result of decades of accumulated expertise, exceptional precision, and the dedication of many people who work every day on some of the world’s most demanding aerospace programs.Some projects exemplify what becomes possible when technological excellence, teamwork, and long-term partnerships come together. One such moment was celebrated in Belgium at the end of May.
The horizontal tail is one of the most safety-critical components of an aircraft. It provides stability and controls the aircraft’s pitch movements—that is, the raising and lowering of the aircraft’s nose during flight. In a multirole fighter aircraft such as the F-35, the requirements for precision, performance, and quality are exceptionally high.A Project of International Significance
As part of the Belgian industrial consortium BeLightning, Asco is responsible for manufacturing the complete metal structure of the horizontal tail. Sabca produces the composite-material fairings, while Sonaca is responsible for final assembly.
With the launch of the first Belgian production line for this component, the first fully Belgian-manufactured horizontal tail has now been unveiled—an important milestone for the Belgian aerospace industry and the global F-35 program.A Result of Experience and Trust
This achievement did not come overnight for Asco. For nearly 20 years, the company has been working with Lockheed Martin on the F-35 program and has established itself as a trusted partner within one of the world’s most demanding aerospace supply chains.
This latest phase of the partnership is a powerful demonstration of how long-term trust, technological expertise, and continuous development deliver tangible results.
Jérôme Morhet, CEO of Asco Industries, summed it up perfectly:
“The delivery of the first fully Belgian-manufactured F-35 horizontal tail is far more than an industrial milestone.
It demonstrates that Belgian companies, working together, are capable of playing a central role in one of the world’s most technologically advanced aerospace and defense programs.”
A Reason to Celebrate for the Entire Group
While this milestone was achieved in Belgium, it is a success that the entire Montana Aerospace Group can be proud of.
It demonstrates what becomes possible when highly skilled teams work together toward a shared vision, uphold the highest quality standards, and continuously strengthen long-term customer relationships.
To our colleagues at Asco: Congratulations on this outstanding achievement!
You have not only written an important new chapter in Asco’s history, but have also powerfully demonstrated the strength and expertise of our entire group.
A Success with Impact Far Beyond Belgium
The BeLightning program strengthens both Asco’s manufacturing footprint in Belgium and the role of European industrial partners within a global defense program.
For the Montana Aerospace Group, this achievement is further proof of the importance of specialized expertise, innovative strength, and operational excellence across our group.
It demonstrates how the combination of deep technical know-how, long-term customer relationships, and a relentless commitment to quality enables our companies to contribute to some of the world’s most demanding aerospace programs.
A group photo like this is a rare sight: instead of being at the Asco plant, behind machines, production equipment, or desks, some of our colleagues found themselves in front of the camera this time.
The occasion was the ceremonial delivery of the first horizontal tail, which took place during the inauguration of the first Belgian assembly line for this component at Sonaca.
The significance of the event was also reflected in the distinguished guests in attendance. Alongside our Asco team, representatives of the Belgian government, the Belgian Armed Forces, and diplomatic representatives from the United States and the United Kingdom participated in the ceremony.
Here are a few impressions from the event.
