Belgium's Defence Minister Steven Vandeput said on Wednesday the country has received proposals from the UK and the US to replace its aging fleet of fighter jets, while a French proposal that was not part of the tender process will be looked at separately. 

Belgium wants to replace its fleet of Lockheed Martin F-16 planes with 34 new fighters and sent invitations for government-led proposals in March in this context. The US offers Lockheed F-35 Lightning II while the UK offers Eurofighter Typhoon. France, on the other hand, opted for not to be a part of this contest but offered a wide-ranging military deal including the sale of Rafale fighter jets.

Belgium is expected to make a decision next year. The 34 jets are to be delivered from 2023.