FLORENNES BAF DAYS 2026

By Dino van Doorn | GMAP.NL Team | June 2026

Belgian Air Force Days 2026 – Historic Return at Florennes

After a three-year absence, the Belgian Air Force Days made a spectacular return on 27–28 June 2026 at Florennes Air Base, attracting tens of thousands of aviation enthusiasts from across Europe. The event marked a major milestone in Belgian military aviation, as the Belgian Air Force F-35A Lightning II was presented to the public for the very first time on its future home base.

The debut of Belgium’s newest fighter aircraft was undoubtedly the highlight of the weekend. Visitors witnessed the F-35 both on static display and in an impressive flying demonstration, symbolizing the transition from the legendary F-16 era to the fifth-generation future of the Belgian Air Component.

The international participation was equally impressive. The flying display featured an outstanding mix of modern combat aircraft, helicopters and demonstration teams, while the static park offered one of the largest military aircraft line-ups seen in Belgium in recent years. International F-35 operators, classic warbirds and NATO partners all contributed to a varied and action-packed program.

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Despite challenging hot weather during the Spotters Day on Friday, the public weekend provided plenty of flying action and unforgettable moments for photographers and aviation enthusiasts alike. The event once again demonstrated why the Belgian Air Force Days remain one of Europe’s premier military aviation events.

For many visitors, however, the unmistakable stars of the show were the first Belgian F-35As, making their long-awaited public debut over Florennes. Their arrival marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Belgian Air Force and offers a glimpse into the future of NATO air power.

The successful return of the Belgian Air Force Days proved that Florennes is ready to become one of Europe’s key F-35 operating bases, while the event itself has firmly re-established its place on the international airshow calendar.

The Belgian Air Force marked its 80th anniversary with the return of these prestigious Belgian Air Force Days 2026. The event celebrated eight decades of Belgian military aviation while showcasing the Air Force’s rich heritage, current capabilities, and future developments. The airshow attracted visitors from across Belgium and abroad, making it one of the country’s largest aviation events of the year. Florennes Air Base was selected as the host venue, highlighting its growing importance as one of the Belgian Air Force’s key operating bases and its recent modernization efforts to support the F-35A Lightning II and MQ-9B systems.

The anniversary celebrations paid tribute to generations of Belgian service personnel who have contributed to national defence and international operations since the establishment of the Belgian Air Force in 1946. Static displays, heritage exhibits, recruitment stands, and commemorative activities provided visitors with the opportunity to explore both the history and future of the service.

Visitors were treated to an impressive international line-up, highlighted by the public debut of the Belgian Air Component’s new F-35A Lightning II fleet alongside visiting F-35s from several allied nations.

Among the most remarkable participants were the increasingly rare Greek and Turkish F-4E Phantom II aircraft, drawing large crowds with their unmistakable appearance and thunderous performances. Another crowd favourite was the Top Aces A-4 Skyhawk, demonstrating that the legendary lightweight attack aircraft remains an impressive performer even decades after its introduction.

The helicopter line-up was equally impressive, featuring the brand-new Belgian Airbus H145M, making one of its first major public appearances, together with the powerful Airbus H225M Caracal. Sweden contributed a pair of JAS 39 Gripens, while Portugal brought its distinctive Embraer A-29B Super Tucanos, adding even more international diversity to the static and flying displays.

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