Guarding the airspace
Our fighter aircraft guard the airspace above the Benelux day and night. We do this in rotation with the Dutch Air Force as part of the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) mission. To protect Belgium and its citizens, they can intercept, inspect and, if necessary, neutralise suspicious aircraft.
Our mission
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Belgium and the Netherlands alternate in keeping two F-16s or F-35s on standby to provide air surveillance over their own territories and that of Luxembourg. Together with the Royal Netherlands Air Force, we monitor and protect Benelux airspace 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Background
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Guarding the airspace is a responsibility of all NATO allies. For this mission, our Air Force relies on two key assets : radar operators who monitor activity from the ground, and fighter pilots who can intercept, inspect and, if necessary, neutralise suspicious aircraft to protect Belgium and its inhabitants.
Anyone taking off on a QRA mission knows it’s a serious operation. Our pilots are trained and prepared to use lethal force against aircraft that pose a threat to our country and its people.
Impact today
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Each year, an average of about twenty incidents occur in Benelux airspace. These result in a dozen scrambles, and ultimately lead to around four actual interceptions.