Air power in question. Contribution to the debate about replacing the F-16s

27 January 2016
 Air power in question. Contribution to the debate about replacing the F-16s
The aim of this analysis is to offer a counterargument in the debate about the replacement of the Belgian F-16 fighter-bombers. Many criticisms rightly point to the costs related to the acquisition and maintenance of the fighter-bombers. The question however is not the only problematic one. Generally speaking, the technical, tactical and operational capacities of these airplanes appear to be limited, or even counterproductive. In other words, in spite of their high cost, the fighter-bombers offer a globally debatable contribution to Belgian security policy.
(Photo: The six Belgian F-16A at the Azraq base in Jordan. Source: Ministry of Defense, Air Component)