Military Jets Photography: February 2013

The Belgian Air Components F-16 OCU (Operational Conversion Unit) celebrated its 20th Anniversary in July 2007 and to commemorate this event it held a COMAO (COMbined Air Operations) exercise at Kleine Brogel.
Most of the aircraft arrived on Monday 16th July, with academic lectures on the history and role of the OCU taking place that afternoon. On the following day (Tuesday 17th July), the OIE took place, along with the Belgian Air Component opening its doors to military aviation enthusiasts to watch the exercise.
The COMAO involved air attacks against a fictitious enemy operating from bases in Northern Germany. Wittmund, Nordholz and Diepholz were targeted by aircraft at low and medium levels. After refuelling the fighters headed to their targets via one of four corridors created for the exercise under the control of a NATO E-3 AWACS. Red Force F-16s, operating from Florennes and Leeuwarden, were tasked to intercept the inbound attack force.
The first wave of jets to depart KB for the low level attack included A-7s, F-4s and MB-339s, escorted by four Italian F-16s and two Belgian F-16s.
The second wave followed close behind, the medium level attack comprised of Rafales and F-16s in various configurations from the visiting Air Forces, closely followed by six Luftwaffe Tornadoes. No less than six Rafales were present, four Aeronavale M-types and two Armee de l’Air B-types. The Czech Air Force sended three Gripens, welcome participants indeed, but for many the star of the event was the rare SF-5B from Ala 23.
Adding to the number of fifth generation fighters at KB was a RAF Typhoon F2, the newest aircraft for Coningsby’s 29(R) Sqn - a last minute replacement for an unserviceable aircraft. Other RAF participants included XV105, the black tailed anniversary schemed VC10 and a pair of 230 Sqn Pumas, one of which took part in a Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) demonstration escorted by two Belgian A.109s with F-16s flying top cover and Czech L-159s performing an airfield attack.
Other interesting visitors comprised considerable contribution from the Hellenic Air Force in the form of pairs of A-7s, F-16s and F-4s. Portuguese F-16s were joined by four Italian F-16 ADF's. Other F-16s from Turkey and Denmark were present along with plenty of the 'home team' F-16AM & BM’s from the Belgian Air Component.
This superb event was organised by the based F-16 Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) and provided the opportunity to undertake Combined Air Operations (COMAO) by the visiting air forces, thus providing a valuable training exercise normally only offered by the US based 'Flag' exercises or TLP. From the enthusiasts perspective there were some very interesting aircraft at the event and the close flight line access allowed for very pleasing photographic opportunities.