platform during dissimilar air combat
training (DACT) in the second week of the
exercise. Six sorties were flown against
the Italian Eurofighters. This was extremely
beneficial to the ‘Stingers’ – training against
an advanced ‘adversary’ allows pilots to
learn different aspects and performance
characteristics, provides them with a wider
range of BFM skills, and allows them to
gain knowledge on the engine, radar and
armament capabilities of different aircraft.
The offer to learn about the Typhoon’s
strengths and weaknesses during
simulated combat was eagerly accepted
by Solenzara’s Belgian contingent.
The squadron’s move to the Corsican
base was a success and the ‘Stingers’
achieved all mission objectives both on
the ground and in the air. Overall, it was
a unique chance for the entire unit to be
deployed together on another nation’s air
base, and the local airspace was ideal
for carrying out air-to-air sorties with few
restrictions. Much was learnt during the
two weeks, especially through training
BFM against advanced fighter opposition.AFMAbove: The local airspace provided plenty of opportunities to train with few restrictions, as demonstrated
by FA-117 at low level through the Corsican countryside. Belgium’s 54 remaining F-16s have been very
active on foreign operations since 2005. Below: An F-16AM recovers to Solenzara. Throughout its service
career, the Belgian Fighting Falcon fl eet has been steadily upgraded via the stepped Mid-Life Update
(MLU) programme.A pairs take-off by ‘Stingers’ F-16AMs at Solenzara. Serial FA-117 nearest the camera carries an inert AIM-120B AMRAAM on its port wingtip. Standard
equipment for a quick reaction alert mission above Benelux territory comprises two AMRAAMs and two AIM-9X missiles.N ATO
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http://www.airforcesmonthly.com #378 September 2019 // 5350-53 Solenzara AFM Sep2019.indd 53 8/2/2019 9:25:55 AM