FighterControl

Been announced BAFD will be held at Florennes on the 27th & 28 June 2026

https://www.belgianairforcedays.be/fr/? ... fkhwqM4-3Q

I thought the last KB show was the last BAFD's I'm sure they announced that? Maybe they just meant at KB?

Andyph wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 23, 2025 8:25 pm

I thought the last KB show was the last BAFD's I'm sure they announced that? Maybe they just meant at KB?

As I understand the situation, the KB show was the last for a short while as BAF are transitioning to F-35. By June 26 the infrastructure work at Florennes for the F-35 should be complete and the first jets delivered. That should mean the return to Belgium of the personnel away training to operate the 35s too, so sufficient available personnel to staff an airshow.

Andyph wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 23, 2025 8:25 pm

I thought the last KB show was the last BAFD's I'm sure they announced that? Maybe they just meant at KB?

You did hear that, and that was the view at the time of the Belgian Military leadership. There were (and probably still are) concerns about opening either Florennes or KB to the public when they become F-35 air bases. They were also struggling to staff KB properly and 2023 was only possible because more of Sanicole's volunteers were brought in than usual.

However, as always things change with time and new personnel. Belgium, (like the UK and other western nations) is struggling to recruit to the military and supporting aerospace industry. Air Force Days alongside Sanicole (as frankly they always have been and should remain so) are seen as a prime tool in promoting Belgian Defence and Aerospace industry to the public. Now, it seems that priority outweighs any risk.