Belgium announces new fighter programme

The Belgian Government has launched an acquisition programme to replace its ageing F-16s, which involves procurement of 34 multirole combat aircraft to replace the 54 F-16s presently in service. The Belgian Government plan to conclude an inter-governmental purchase agreement to replace their F-16s before the end of 2030, with a decision on the new aircraft to be made by 2018. In June 2014, an RFI was sent to five government agencies concerning the Rafale, Gripen E, F-35A, Typhoon and F/A-18E/F. The next stage in the programme will be the issuance of a Request for Government Proposal (RfGP).