MQ-9B Archives

Airbus A400M ATLAS BAF © Benoît Denet After a ten-year hiatus, the Belgian Air Force's BAF Days will make their grand return on June 27 and 28, 2026, at Florennes Air Base in the province of Namur. Considered the most important aeronautical event organised in Belgium in 2026, this air show hopes for more favourable weather conditions than its previous edition in 2016. For many months, the entire 2nd Tactical Wing has been mobilised to prepare this large-scale air show. The commanding officer, Colonel Vincent Maniet, aims to welcome the public in a friendly atmosphere while highlighting the current and future capabilities of the Belgian Air Force. The air forces of NATO member countries will also be well represented through demonstrations and static displays. Colonel Aviator Maniet: We want a warm welcome and to take good care of our 60,000 spectators. People haven't yet had the chance to see our F-35s and MQ-9Bs up close. We also wanted to showcase the involvement of European countries through a variety of equipment. We also want a friendly event for families who will come to have a good time. We will have 700 tables, dozens of tents to provide shelter from the sun, hopefully. There will be many areas where people can sit and eat. Currently, we have 40,000 people registered for the two days, but with good weather, we expect to far exceed that number. This major event in Wallonia aims to be both ambitious in its content and understated in its organisation, guided by the principles of simplicity, accessibility, and close interaction with the public. F-4 Phantom © Benoît Denet The gates to the airshow will open at 9:00 a.m. It will then be about a 20-minute walk to the static display area. The flight demonstrations will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until 5:30 p.m. The municipality of Florennes is closely involved in organising the event, particularly in setting up traffic plans and emergency response arrangements. Mr Antonin Collinet, Mayor of Florennes: I remember an edition in 2005, I was still young, and we used to say, "This is the airshow at the base!" The connection to the base is very strong. We have maintained a very close relationship for decades. Many residents are former military personnel stationed at the base. Regarding security, it falls under the mayor's authority within the municipality. We conducted a disaster exercise with a simulated aircraft crash. We were able to experience all the minor difficulties encountered in dealing with the various authorities, including emergency services, the police, and the military. Saab Gripen © Benoit Denet The Programme Four military aerobatic displays are scheduled: the Patrouille Suisse flying Northrop F-5 Tiger IIs, the Turkish Stars aerobatic team, also flying F-5s, the Croatian Wings of Storm aerobatic team flying Pilatus PC-9Ms, and the Royal Jordanian Falcons flying Extra 330LXs. The fighter jet demonstrations will be one of the highlights of the weekend. Among the headliners are the French Rafale, the Swedish Saab Gripen, and the legendary Greek McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. The operational capabilities of Florennes Air Base will also be showcased with presentations of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-35 Lightning II, and MQ-9B. The public will also be able to watch flight demonstrations by the Airbus A400M Atlas and the NH90 helicopter. On Sunday, a flypast by four US Air Force F-35s is also scheduled. F-35A © Benoit Denet Turkish Stars © Benoit Denet Aeronautical heritage Historic aviation enthusiasts will not be forgotten. Attention will be drawn to several iconic aircraft, such as the Supermarine Spitfire—including one that served with the Belgian Air Force after its arrival at Florennes in 1947—a P-51D Mustang (present only on Sunday), a Curtiss P-40M Warhawk, and a Vought F4U Corsair. Spitfire MK XIV © Benoit Denet F-4 Corsair © Benoit Denet A high-quality static display The static display area will also feature several aircraft rarely seen in Belgium. Among them are a Portuguese Embraer C-390 Millennium, one of the last F-4 Phantom IIs still in service with the Turkish Air Force, and a Douglas A-4 Skyhawk operated by Top Aces. A-4 Skyhawk © Benoit Denet Greek F-4 Phantom II © Benoit Denet Practical Information The entrance fee is €18 for adults. Admission is free for those under 18. Tickets are available on the event's official website. To access the airshow, three large free parking areas will be set up around the airbase. Advance booking of a parking space is mandatory, and a parking ticket must be printed before arrival. Three access zones will allow for optimal traffic flow: Red Zone "Anthée": access from the E411 motorway; Green Zone "Mettet": access from Namur; Blue Zone "Philippeville": access from Philippeville. Visitors will then be directed to the different parking areas according to their arrival routes. BAF DAYS 2026 map A400M © Benoit Denet Patrouille Suisse © Benoit Denet Greek F-16D © Benoit Denet

Tag: MQ-9B

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