BAF Phase out F-16 Display

[ORAC]

https://x.com/beairforce/status/1759639660463108405?s=61&t=rmEeUn68HhlFHGKbTPQr_A


After a great season in 2023, we will not be renewing the 🇧🇪"F-16 Solo Display" in 2024.

In fact, we have actively begun our transition to the F-35, our F-16’s are being phased out as they reach the end of their potential, and our recent contribution to the training of Ukrainian pilots is mobilising most of our resources.

The priority is to train our fighter pilots, meet our operational commitments and transition to the F‑35A.

We are extremely grateful for the work of our last F-16 demonstration pilot, Senior Captain Steven 'Vrieske' De Vries. Over the past two seasons, he has been an outstanding ambassador for the Air Force with his "Dream Viper".

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1089x726/image_722428123457202c772c1a5aa63273fea0d4241b.png
​​​​​​​

[Finningley Boy]

I think it was 2014 or 2015 which was the last year that the KLU operated an F-16 solo display. I wonder if the BAF will still put the Tigers together again for Sanicole? Perhaps for the last time, with F-16s, as they'll probably begin the transition to the F-35A soon.

[unmanned_droid]

Shame, these were great displays - by far one of the best displays on the circuit.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/1600x1067/7dm22398_enhanced_nr_s_860aa714d459304f924ff6ff179d8e5f58825 d48.png