Belgium chooses Lockheed's F-35 to replace F-16 jets: Belga

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Belgium has chosen Lockheed-Martin's F-35 jets rather than the Eurofighter Typhoon as a replacement for its ageing F-16s, Belgian national news agency Belga said, citing government sources.

Belgium has been deliberating for months over a multi-billion-dollar purchase of 34 new fighter jets, with the latest deadline for a decision being Oct. 29.

A defence ministry spokeswoman declined to comment on the government's decision and did not confirm the end-October deadline.

(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; Editing by Alastair Macdonald)