Belgian F-16 fleet resumes flights
Belgian Air Component F-16s return to operational status, having been grounded earlier in March following an engine incident in February.
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.
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
More from Air Warfare
-
![US Navy’s next-generation sensor for Super Hornets achieves Initial Operating Capability]()
US Navy’s next-generation sensor for Super Hornets achieves Initial Operating Capability
The full rate production decision is scheduled for first-half 2025 and this will authorise the US Navy (USN) to fully outfit its carrier-based F/A-18E/F Super Hornet squadrons with InfraRed Search-and-Track (IRST) Block II.
-
![USAF conducts first F-16 Block 70 flight of L3Harris’ Viper Shield]()
USAF conducts first F-16 Block 70 flight of L3Harris’ Viper Shield
The Viper Shield electronic warfare suite was tested by the US Air Force’s 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, with L3Harris aiming for deliveries of the system to international customers by late 2025.
-
![Airbus to further work on France’s A321XLR maritime patrol aircraft programme]()
Airbus to further work on France’s A321XLR maritime patrol aircraft programme
The two-year contract on the A321 militarised maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) will look to risk-assess the programme ahead of its development phase in 2026.
-
![Lockheed sees 5% 2024 sales growth as CEO says DOGE is an “opportunity” for growth]()
Lockheed sees 5% 2024 sales growth as CEO says DOGE is an “opportunity” for growth
Lockeed Martin’s aeronautics sector saw $20 billion in orders, driven by its Lot 18 F-35 and US fiscal year F-35 sustainment contract wins.
-
![Lockheed delivers first F-16 Block 70 aircraft to Bulgaria]()
Lockheed delivers first F-16 Block 70 aircraft to Bulgaria
The delivery of this F-16 Block 70 aircraft marks a first step in the Bulgarian air force’s modernisation efforts and the replacement of its MiG-29 aircraft.
-
![UAE accepts first batch of F4 Rafale fighter jets]()
UAE accepts first batch of F4 Rafale fighter jets
The aircraft were accepted during a ceremony on the 29 January and will stay at Dassault’s Flight Test Centre, with deliveries scheduled for the end of 2026.
