2016 Belgian Air Force: Falcon 20 retirement, Falcon 900...

[Stratofreighter]

...it will be interesting to see whether the Belgian Air Component will replace these VIP jets...

http://www.luchtzak.be/forums/viewtopic.php?t=57756

[Stratofreighter]

http://www.rtbf.be/info/belgique/detail ... id=9171234
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https://translate.google.com/translate? ... edit-text=

The 9.2 billion euros of investment will be used to buy 34 fighter bombers to succeed the 56 aging F-16 currently in service, two frigates (to replace the used redeemed buildings in the Netherlands ) in the early 2000s, six hunters mines and six drones, two in 2021 and four in 2030. No material choices have been made yet.

Defence will also consider participation in a Tanker Aircraft Programme - one of the major shortcomings of European armies - and consider options for the fleet of "white aircraft" (for passenger transport),

due to the planned withdrawal of Service last 20 Mystery end of 2016 and the one Falcon 900 in 2018,

just as the mission of search and rescue ("Search and Rescue", SAR) currently provided by the aging Sea King helicopters and new NH90 from air base in Koksijde.

[Le Addeur noir]

34 fast jets should not need more than one base, so either Florennes or KB may well end up being closed.

[SquAdmin]

In fact, even the current 56 fighters don't need more than a single airbase...

[Coati]

In fact, the complex political bilingual system will most probably dictate that both areas will maintain a (MOB) base.

[FredL]

On the other hand, having two airbases equipped for use of combat aircraft is also necessary under circumstances like long-lasting runway repair, exceptional weather conditions, important accident at one location, not to talk in the case of civil unrest or war.
Beauvechain isn't really available (and up to date) anymore for F-16 or its successor.
Regarding the current number of aircraft, The Nederlands or Switzerland, for example, with about the same number of jets actually flying today, also have two jets bases (even "2 and a half" in Switzerland, if Sion is considered).

KB won't disappear for sure as the US Nuke bombs are hidden somewhere there.

So let's hope Belgium won't loose one of them (Florennes). I remember my youth time when Belgian had Bierset, Beauvechain, KB and Florennes just for combat aircraft, with Brustem and Chievres also quite active, and at least two airshows per year... Bad times...