The Belgian Air and Space Component is the air arm of the Belgian Armed Forces, and until January 2002 it was known as the Belgian Air Force. It was founded in 1909 and is one of the world's oldest air services.
Belgian Air Force
Lockheed Martin F-16-MLU Fighting Falcon
The Belgian Air Component consists of the 2nd Tactical Wing in Florennes Air Base and the 10th Tactical Wing in Kleine Brogel Air Base, both flying F-16s in four squadrons. Out of the 160 F-16s originally bought by Belgium, only 105 were upgraded; with further reductions to 72 aircraft in 2005; and planned to 60 by 2012.
Airbus Military A400M Tactical Transport Aircraft
The Air Component has replaced the Lockheed C-130 Hercules in the 15th Air Transport
Wing based at Melsbroek Air Base, by eight Airbus A400M transport aircraft, one of which
flies for the Luxembourg Air Force. (CT-01)
Airbus Military NH-90 NFH & TTH helicopter
The NH90, a European medium-sized, twin-engine, multirole military helicopter, is
manufactured by the Airbus Military owned NHIndustries. It was the first production helicopter
to feature entirely fly-by-wire flight controls.There is extensive use of composite materials and
electronic sensors.
Agusta A-109 "Hirundo" Light Utility Helicopter
The Agusta Westland AW109, originally the Agusta A109, is a lightweight, twin-engine, eight-seat multi-purpose helicopter designed and initially produced by the Italian rotorcraft manufacturer Agusta.
On December 8th 1988 the Belgian Government decided to acquire 46 Agusta A109BA (Belgian Army) Hirundo helicopters. These aircraft replaced a number of Alouette II light helicopters in the armed reconnaissance role (HRecce, with machine guns) and observation role (HO).
