Engine issue prompts Belgium to ground its F-16s
‘Whether other countries are experiencing the same problem is currently under investigation,’ according to the Belgian MoD.
The Belgian Air Component has been forced to ground its entire F-16 fleet for urgent checks, following an incident on 11 February when an aircraft experienced pipe burn problems with its engine after take-off.
A subsequent investigation by the Directorate of Aviation Safety of Defence found that ‘several engines are likely to present the same problem’, the Belgian MoD announced on 9 March, having taken advice from the USAF, F-16 manufacturer Lockheed Martin and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney. ‘Therefore, all F-16 engines must be controlled and the fleet immobilised pending results.’
It added: ‘Whether other countries are experiencing the same problem is currently under investigation.’
Shephard Defence Insight calculates there are 54 aircraft in the Belgian F-16 fleet.
The repair time is estimated at five working days per engine. ‘However, there is a shortage of spare parts on the market,’ the Belgian MoD noted.
It added that ‘necessary steps’ are being taken to make F-16s (with replacement engines) available for Quick Reaction Alert operations over Belgian and Dutch airspace will remain operational after the inspection.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Italian Army receives first UH-169D light utility helicopter]()
Italian Army receives first UH-169D light utility helicopter
The delivery is the first in a total of 25 helicopters on order, with all deliveries expected to be completed by 2027.
-
![MBDA backs British startup to continue development on heavy-lift drone]()
MBDA backs British startup to continue development on heavy-lift drone
The investment will bring together the Hybrid Drones and MBDA to enable the former to further develop its Hydra 400 UAV, previously showcased by the British Army.
-
![Norway receives final F-35 aircraft and unveils first Joint Strike Missile delivery]()
Norway receives final F-35 aircraft and unveils first Joint Strike Missile delivery
Work has begun on stockpiling the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), following the first missile’s delivery from Kongsberg and the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency.
-
![US Air Force has big plans for the F-47]()
US Air Force has big plans for the F-47
The USAF Chief of Staff has claimed that the sixth-generation fighter would allow for guaranteeing “air superiority for generations to come”.
-
![India and France seal Rafale-M deal as plans for local assembly advance]()
India and France seal Rafale-M deal as plans for local assembly advance
Inter-governmental agreement signed as final assembly line plans inch closer.
-
![Just Released: New UAS Technology Report now available to read]()
Just Released: New UAS Technology Report now available to read
Autonomous advantage: Unlocking the potential of VTOL UAS in the battlefield resupply role
