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Belgian F-16s will put Swedish Gripens to test
October 25, 2004 (by
Lieven Dewitte) -
Four F-16s from the 349 Squadron at Kleine Brogel AB departed for Ronneby-Blekinge, Sweden today. During a five day air exercise, the pilots, specialised in air-defense, will go head-to-head with the Swedish Air Force Saab JAS 39 'Gripen'.
It is the first time that Belgian F-16s participate in a training with Swedish 'Gripens'
The purpose of this exercise is to put to test the qualities of the modernised F-16 MLU and compare them with the Gripen, a jet that has recently entered service in the Swedish Air Force.
The exercise is also in line with the striving of the Belgian Department of Defense to hold air exercises in areas where there is a minimal hindrance for the population.
Sweden has vast fly zones at their disposal where the aircraft can exercise. Ronneby is located in the South of Sweden, about 110 miles (180 km) from Malmö.
The Belgian detachement is composed of four pilots, seven technicians and a missionplanner. They are expected to return to Belgium on October 28th.
The purpose of this exercise is to put to test the qualities of the modernised F-16 MLU and compare them with the Gripen, a jet that has recently entered service in the Swedish Air Force.
The exercise is also in line with the striving of the Belgian Department of Defense to hold air exercises in areas where there is a minimal hindrance for the population.
Sweden has vast fly zones at their disposal where the aircraft can exercise. Ronneby is located in the South of Sweden, about 110 miles (180 km) from Malmö.
The Belgian detachement is composed of four pilots, seven technicians and a missionplanner. They are expected to return to Belgium on October 28th.