Our mission is to monitor and defend the airspace.
In Belgium, we guarantee air safety with fighter jets and save lives with our rescue helicopters. Around the world, our transport aircraft support the deployment of our troops during international missions or in response to disasters. To carry out our missions, we rely on highly trained and qualified personnel as well as state-of-the-art weapon systems. With these assets, we can effectively protect the airspace and respond rapidly to any threat.
5700
Personnel
8
A400M's
5
Operational bases
In the Belgian airspace, we safeguard our nation's security around the clock.
The Control & Reporting Centre in Bevekom continuously monitors and controls both Belgian and Luxembourg airspace.
Belgian and Dutch fighter jets take turns being on quick reaction alert to protect the airspace and respond immediately to incidents or threats. Two F-16s can be airborne within 15 minutes.
Our rescue helicopters, stationed in Koksijde, safeguard our coastline and serve as guardian angels for people in distress. They respond to emergencies, support police and coast guard operations, and carry out medical evacuations.
Military air traffic control helps ensure the safety, order and smooth flow of air traffic. Since 2019, we've been executing this mission in close cooperation with the civilian air traffic control service skeyes in Steenokkerzeel. Civilian and military air traffic controllers work side by side to manage Belgian airspace more efficiently, safely, and flexibly.
We play an important role in international conflicts. Our fighter jets and helicopters provide security during international missions. With strategic air transport, our transport aircrafts rapidly deliver troops and equipment to areas of operation.
Through these missions, we actively contribute to upholding international law and promoting global stability. We do this in close cooperation with our partners from the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations.
We are always ready to repatriate fellow citizens in the event of a crisis abroad. With the A400M transport aircraft, we can organize an evacuation within 24 hours. Within 72 hours, we can deploy multiple aircraft to ensure the swift and safe return of our citizens. Responding quickly is essential to protect Belgian nationals around the world.
We provide assistance to victims of disasters or conflicts, both in Belgium and around the world. In the event of disasters on our territory, we transport people and equipment. Examples include the gas explosion in Gellingen, the Brussels attacks, and the floods in Wallonia.
Internationally, we support humanitarian operations to help promote global stability. Delivering emergency aid quickly and efficiently is one of our key strengths, for example through B-FAST, following a major earthquake or natural disaster.
