The Belgian Air Component gradually resumed F-16 flights last week, including a leading role in Quick Reaction Alert operations over the Benelux region.
Belgian F-16 operations in Jordan (under Operation Desert Falcon) also resumed, the Belgian MoD noted on 19 March.
The entire F-16 fleet (54 aircraft according to Shephard Defence Insight) was grounded in early March following an incident in February, when part of the variable exhaust of the Pratt & Whitney F100 engine on an F-16 became detached after take-off.
‘Additional guidance from the manufacturer and specific inspections and repairs by technical personnel at Kleine Brogel and Florennes airbases have enabled the resumption of air operations on F-16,’ the MoD stated.
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The number of aircraft was stated by UK Defence Secretary John Healey during a Defence Committee hearing. It follows on from the UK’s decision to purchase F-35A aircraft to boost its nuclear deterrence, although hurdles and questions about the order still remain.
The use of air power by both sides in the ongoing conflict has been extensively focused on, influencing policy and procurement around the world. But are the lessons from the front line universally applicable, or should other nations be planning for very different scenarios?
Six Super Tucano aircraft were ordered in July 2024, with Paraguay the fifth South American country to add the aircraft to modernise its fleet.
The takeover of the Italian firm by Baykar solidifies the company’s efforts to forge closer ties with Italian industry, bolsters its partnership with Leonardo to produce UAVs and secures its foothold in Europe.
The F-15EX Eagle II had already been singled out for further funding in January 2025, when it was chosen to replace the A-10 aircraft for the US National Guard.
Spain’s Defence Minister told the Senate Defense Commission on 27 June of the decision to acquire Turkish Aerospace Industries’ (TAI) trainers as the country seeks to replace its Northrop F-5M aircraft.
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