Belgian Air Force
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| Belgian Air Force | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | Belgian Air Force |
| Native name | Force aérienne belge, Belgische Luchtmacht |
| Caption | National roundel |
| Dates | 1909–present |
| Branch | Belgian Armed Forces |
| Type | Air force |
| Role | Aerial warfare |
| Size | 5,200 personnel |
| Command structure | Defence staff |
| Garrison | Evere |
| Garrison label | Headquarters |
| Commander1 | Michel Hofman |
| Commander1 label | Commander |
| Identification symbol | 80px |
| Identification symbol label | Fin flash |
Belgian Air Force. The air component of the Belgian Armed Forces, it traces its origins to the pioneering Compagnie des Ouvriers et Aérostiers in 1909. It operates a modern fleet of F-35A and A400M aircraft, participating in NATO and European Union missions. Its headquarters are located at Evere in the Brussels-Capital Region.
History
The origins of military aviation began with the Compagnie des Ouvriers et Aérostiers in 1909, evolving into the Military Aviation branch by 1915. During World War I, Belgian pilots flew aircraft like the Nieuport 17 and SPAD S.VII against the Imperial German Luftstreitkräfte. The interwar period saw the establishment of the Aéronautique Militaire and expansion with aircraft such as the Fairey Fox. In World War II, the force, equipped with Gloster Gladiator and Fairey Battle planes, fought during the Battle of Belgium before reconstituting as the Belgian Section, Royal Air Force within RAF Bomber Command. Post-war, it was reorganized under the Belgian Army and became a separate service in 2002. It played a key role in the Cold War as part of NATO's Allied Forces Central Europe, operating F-84 and later F-104 fighters from bases like Kleine Brogel Air Base. It participated in operations over the Balkans, Libya, and the Middle East.
Organization
The force is commanded by the Chief of Defence through the Air Component Command in Evere. Major operational units include the 2nd Tactical Wing at Florennes Air Base, flying the F-16, and the 10th Tactical Wing at Kleine Brogel Air Base, transitioning to the F-35A. The 1st Wing at Beauvechain Air Base conducts training with the Aermacchi SF-260 and Alpha Jet. Helicopter operations are managed by the Wing Heli in Beverlo, flying NHIndustries NH90 and AgustaWestland AW109 aircraft. Support functions include the Air Traffic Control Center at Semple and the Control and Reporting Centre at Glons.
Aircraft
The current frontline fighter fleet consists of F-16AM/BM aircraft, which are being replaced by thirty-four F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters. Strategic and tactical airlift is provided by eight Airbus A400M Atlas aircraft operated from Melsbroek Air Base. The Airbus A330 MRTT provides aerial refueling. Training uses the Aermacchi SF-260 and former Alpha Jet fleet. Rotary-wing assets include eight NHIndustries NH90 tactical transport helicopters and several AgustaWestland AW109 light utility helicopters. Unmanned aerial vehicles like the General Atomics MQ-9B SkyGuardian are also in service.
Bases
Major operational air bases include Florennes Air Base in Namur, home to the 2nd Tactical Wing, and Kleine Brogel Air Base in Limburg, the main F-35 base. Beauvechain Air Base in Walloon Brabant is the primary training center. Melsbroek Air Base, adjacent to Brussels Airport, hosts the Airbus A400M Atlas and Airbus A330 MRTT fleets of the 15th Air Transport Wing. Other significant facilities are the Koksijde Air Base for Search and Rescue training and the Saint-Hubert Air Base for general aviation support.
Insignia and markings
Aircraft display a national roundel featuring black, yellow, and red concentric rings, reflecting the national flag. The fin flash is a vertical tricolor of the same colors. Squadron insignia, such as those of the 31st Tiger Squadron or the 349th Squadron, are often displayed on the tail. Tactical aircraft typically carry a low-visibility grey camouflage scheme, with serial numbers following a format like "FA-136" for fighter aircraft. Historical markings have included variations like the orange triangle used by the Belgian Section, Royal Air Force during World War II.
Future developments
The primary modernization program is the full introduction into service of the F-35A at Kleine Brogel Air Base and Florennes Air Base, with deliveries continuing through the 2020s. The General Atomics MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPAS system will enhance intelligence and strike capabilities. Plans include the acquisition of new training aircraft to replace the aging Aermacchi SF-260 fleet. Integration into multinational initiatives like NATO's Air Command and Control System and the European Air Transport Command remains a strategic priority. Further upgrades to the NHIndustries NH90 helicopter fleet are also anticipated.
Category:Military of Belgium Belgium