Belgian Quick Reaction Fighter Pilots • Tested for Real in Benelux Air Policing Mission • NATO

Belgian Quick Reaction Fighter Pilots

Belgian quick reaction fighter pilots were tested this year when a commercial aircraft went “comms-silent” over Europe. As part of the new joint Benelux air policing mission for NATO, they were scrambled to intercept the flight. In a new arrangement for NATO air policing, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg will work together to secure their skies. While air assets will patrol their own skies as normal, when they cross into the airspace of one of the other two countries participating in the missions they will pass under the control of that country, thus increasing effectiveness and pooling of resources.