A significant chapter in the history of the Belgian Air Force has ended at the Florennes base in Namur Province, where the last Belgian pilot to complete his maiden solo flight on an F-16 has now done so.
According to the Air Force’s Facebook page, the solo flight took place last week.
The F-16 model will soon be replaced by the F-35. “From now on, all new fighter pilots will transition directly to the F-35,” the Air Force highlighted.
Belgium has ordered 34 F-35 jets. Eight of these are currently stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, USA, where Belgian fighter pilots and technicians will be trained on how to operate the aircraft.
The first F-35 due for delivery to Belgium was completed at the Texas production facility a month ago and is expected to arrive at the Florennes base this autumn.
