Belgian F16s take over Benelux airspace surveillance mission from Dutch F35s

The Belgian Air Force has resumed responsibility for monitoring the airspace of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg as of Thursday. The mission, previously handled by the Dutch Air Force with F-35s over the past five months, was officially handed over to Belgium.

In a shared agreement between Belgium and the Netherlands, both nations alternately manage the surveillance of Benelux airspace. This "Quick Reaction Alert" (QRA) mission ensures that fighter aircraft are on standby 24/7, ready to intercept any unidentified aircraft breaching the region’s airspace within minutes of takeoff.

For the next four months, Belgium will execute the mission using its F-16 fighter jets stationed at the Kleine-Brogel and Florennes air bases. While these F-16s remain operational for now, the Belgian Air Force plans to gradually replace its fleet with F-35s in the coming years.

^{© PHOTO FREDERIC MOREAU / HANS LUCAS}

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