On February 19, 2024, the Belgian Air Force unexpectedly announced the cancellation of its famous F-16 Solo Display. The Belgian Air Force stated that the transition to the F-35A, the decreasing numbers of available F-16s after being withdrawn from service, and the support of the training of Ukrainian pilots were the reasons behind this.
This marks the end of 44 years of the F-16 demonstrating to numerous crowds in Belgium and abroad, by no less than 19 different solo display pilots and supported by hundreds of aircraft technicians.
Belgian Air Force statement:
“After a magnificent season in 2023, we will not extend the “F-16 solo display” 🇧🇪 in 2024. We have actively started our transition to the F-35, our F-16s are gradually being withdrawn from use when they reach the end of their potential and our recent contribution to the training of Ukrainian pilots mobilizes most of our resources. The priority is the training of our fighter pilots, the execution of our operational commitments, and the transition to the F-35A. We are extremely grateful for the work accomplished by the latest F-16 demonstration pilot, Commander Airman Steven “Vrieske” De Vries. For the past two seasons, he has been a tremendous ambassador for the Air Force with his “Dream Viper.”
