Hi Transall,
I didn't realise there was a second batch of F-16's to replace the Mirages.
The F-16 was a great buy for Europe I thought - for the first time in the cold war the smaller countries were operating something head and shoulders better than the soviets had. Especially as the UK and Germany didn't get an F-16 or F-18 class aircraft.
I remember a package of over 30 Belgian F-16s hitting Spadeadam in the mid 90s on I think it was 'Brilliant Foil' exercise - one of the Elder Forrest UK air defence exercise replacements. Bet you would struggle to do that now!
You might buy more F-35s but I doubt it! You might get less!
Yes I totally agree about the demise of the RAF - it is just a little easier to see on a single type force though.