Forum: F-16 News

This is a discussion topic for the F-16.net news article: "Devastating defence cuts in Belgium". You can read the full forum discussion in the F-16.net forum.

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Today a lot of media report that Belgian Defence Secretary André Flahaut has strongly rejected the fact that there is a decision on these matters within the Belgian government. A spokesman told the media that these rumors are based on internal working documents, but that the government hasn't made a final decision. Let us all hope that it isn't as bad as stated yesterday.

In my humble opinion, the Belgian Air Component can do with less F-16's. Currently Belgium provides 72 aircraft to NATO. This can be lowered to 60 (4 sqn of 15 aircraft each). On the other hand this operation should be executed with an increase in operational capabilities of the fleet to keep the same output of the F-16's. This means integration of HMCS and a new short-range A/A weapon. The purchase of more ALQ-131 systems (currently 36, has to go up to 60), of JDAM weapons, of standoff weapons and of more Sharpshooter pods (currently 8, has to go up to at least 15). Only than the decrease of the number of aircraft is acceptable.

Bjorn

According to the Wallon press release of 8 october 2003 in "L'Avenir' there's no doubt 'bout the BAF F-16's.

Belgium will keep his 90 F-16's as a full member of the EU and NATO.

There will be no airbase closed. The TLP stays at Florennes, new investments were made for hangars and munition depots.

Kleine-Brogel and Koksijde will stay also. Flemish press releases are based on rumours, Verhofstadt II declared it's full cooperation about the acceleration of the investments and modernisation plan of the Army.

I agree that purchasing new weapon systems for the F-16 could increase it's capacities.

The AIM-9X is forseen in 2005, together with the JOSW and HMCS (also laser kits).

There's also some sh*t 'bout the JDAM; it seems to be that the NSA doesn't want to risk to give 'the encryption codes' to the European Partners of NATO.

This could not give them the sovereignty over their own weapon sytems.

It means that GPS guided weapons would be unuseful to us.

The Belgian armed forces wants an evolution to 35000 men and a new budget plan. This will cause a huge difference. There are right now more than 55000 people employed.This is all part of a plan of modernising the Belgian military 2000-2015

BAF pilot