FighterControl

This year neither spotters days nor BAF-days will be organized at our air base.

Working on the main runway cannot facilitate this.

Where you can go:
Sanicole Airshow op 13 en 14 september: https://www.sanicole.com/nl/
BabDay at Beauvechain Air Base: https://www.babday.be/
For all other events follow @belaircomp

#preparingforthefuture

The International Sanicole Aishow Hs a long and proud connection with 31 Tiger squadron at Kleine-Brogel, part of the NATO Tiger Association. On 13 & 14 September, we are very pleased to welcome another member of the NATO Tiger Association with one of the most exhilarating and dynamic display teams in modern military aviation. Showcasing the exceptional capabilities of the aircraft, the team represents the skill, discipline, and pride of the Polish Air Force: The Polish F-16 Tiger Demo Team.

At the heart of the Tiger Demo Team’s display is the Lockheed Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon Block 52+, an advanced variant of the legendary multirole fighter which is also used in Belgium. Equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, powerful Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engines, and cutting-edge electronic warfare systems, the Polish F-16s are among the most capable in the world. Their agility, speed, and advanced manoeuvrability allow for stunning aerial displays that push the limits of physics and pilot skill.

In Poland, the F-16 is known as the Jastrząb, which means Hawk. The roots of the Polish Air Force’s F-16 demonstration flights trace back to the early 2000s, when Poland acquired the Fighting Falcon under the "Peace Sky" program. Since then, the country has developed a strong cadre of highly skilled pilots who have honed their expertise through rigorous training and international cooperation. An upgrade to the latest block 70/72 standard was recently approved, making these formidable fighters even more performant.

The Tiger Demo Team was officially formed to showcase Poland’s growing prowess in tactical aviation and to strengthen its presence in the NATO Tiger Meet, an annual event where elite air squadrons engage in joint exercises and aerial displays. Over the years, the team has earned a reputation for its precision flying, technical mastery, and spectacular solo performances, making it a crowd favourite at major airshows worldwide. They are part of 6 squadron, based at the 31st fighter base near Poznan.

A distinctive feature of the F-16 Tiger Demo Team is the configuration of their aircraft, with conformal fuel tanks on top of the fuselage, extending the aircraft's range without the drag caused by external fuel tanks carried under the wings, and thus also improving the F-16's combat efficiency. 

Every performance by the Polish F-16 Tiger Demo Team is a breathtaking spectacle of speed, power, and aerobatic excellence.  One of the highlights of the display is the slow-speed, high-alpha pass, where the F-16 seemingly defies gravity, hovering at an incredibly high angle of attack while maintaining complete control. And make sure you catch the impressive flare drops! 

Witness the Tiger Demo Team in action at the International Sanicole Airshow on 13 & 14 September 2025 for an unforgettable experience—a perfect blend of cutting-edge technology, raw power, and the unparalleled skill of Poland’s top pilots. 

During the International Sanicole Airshow on 13 & 14 September at Hechtel-Eksel, you do not want to miss an evocative demonstration of one of the NH-90s key mission types by the Belgian Air Force. 

No modern air force can operate without the versatility and flexibility offered by state-of-the-art helicopters. Belgium has both NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter) and TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) variants of the NH-90 in its inventory, which are used for various missions, including search and rescue (SAR), troop transport, medical evacuation, and anti-submarine warfare. 

During the International Sanicole Airshow, the airforce will present its NH-90NFH variant in the flying display performing a simulated search-and rescue mission. It is a well-known sight at the Belgian coast as the helicopters, based with 40 squadron at Coxyde, perform regular search and rescue missions.  

The NH-90 NFH is designed for naval operations and can perform anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare missions. They are also used aboard Belgian and Dutch frigates during international operations where their sensors extend the capabilities of the frigate and they also provide additional fire support to operations. One example of this are escort missions in the Red Sea in response to the threat posed by Houthi to international shipping operations. Its advanced capabilities, such as its fly-by-wire controls, state-of-the-art avionics, and versatility, make it a valuable asset for Belgium's defence capabilities. 

Earlier this year, it was announced that the four NH-90NFH of the Belgian air force will remain at Coxyde to continue the proud SAR-tradition of the base. Later this year, the procedure will commence to find a suitable successor. This means that in a few years, the Belgian NH-90NFH will only operate from frigates for anti-submarine warfare and other support missions.

Make sure you don't miss this evocative demonstration over the Sanicole airfield during the International Sanicole Airshow 2025.