Belgian Air Force Days 2023 at Kleine-Brogel AB

Belgian Air Force F-16 Solo Display "Dream Viper".

From 8 to 10 September 2023, the Belgian Air Force is organizing an International Air Show at Kleine-Brogel (BE) Air Base, the Belgian Air Force Days (BAF Days). The last major airshow organized by the Belgian Air Force dates from 2018, so already 5 years ago. Preceded by a Spotters event on September 8, young and old can come and admire various military and civil aircraft from several European countries during the weekend of September 9 and 10.

In addition to a large number of aircraft on the ground, military and civilian aircraft can also be admired in the airspace throughout the day. The Belgian Air Force is of course well represented with its own demonstration teams, but our partner countries have also sent their ambassadors who demonstrate the precision and accuracy of military flying in the air, such as the Swiss F/A-18C, the American F-35A, the French Patrouille de France and a Dutch F-35A.

The Kleine-Brogel airbase is located some 80 kilometers north-east of the Belgian capital Brussels.

There is also a wide range of ground animation from interactive modes, such as VR and flight sim F‑35. Young and old can take a seat in the cockpit of an F-35, F-16 or A-109BA. Would you like to see how night vision works in the dark? Or would you rather stand between the weapons and vehicles of our soldiers?

Last but not least, we also like to focus on recruitment. For those interested in Defense it is an ideal opportunity to see what suits them. The next generation of the Belgian Air Force needs young and passionate talent.

Information about tickets, flying teams, activities and other practical information can be found on the websitewww.belgianairforcedays.be.

Visit Kleine-Brogel on Thursday, August 31, 2023

The Base Commander of Kleine-Brogel, Colonel Aviator Staff License Holder Koen VANHESTE, gave a press conference on Thursday, August 31, 2023, in which he indicated the importance of these Belgian Air Force Days. A very important goal is to recruit new people for the Belgian Air Force. With many innovations that have already been initiated or will soon be implemented: the F-16s are being replaced by the F-35, the C-130 has already been replaced by the A400M, the B-Hunter drones are being replaced by MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones, the A109 helicopters will soon be replaced. Many new people are needed to implement this modernization.

After the press conference, the Royal Jordanian Falcons gave a demo of their Extra-330 LX aircraft; followed by a demonstration by the Belgian demo pilot Steven de Vries (call sign VRIESKE). Because he would leave for the Greek airbase Tanagra in the afternoon, the demo was carried out this morning in a gray F-16. Later that day he left for Greece in his specially painted DREAM VIPER F-16.

The F-35 simulator was shown on the south side of the airbase and there was a demo by a security unit.