October 18, 2009 - From 18th October untill 4th November 2009, the international Falcon Air Meet was held by the Jordanian Air Force in Azraq. Several nations, users of the F-16, were invited to this event. 349 Squadron participated.
Belgium and Jordan have maintained excellent bilateral relations for decades. These are widely translated in their participation in military exchange programs. The Jordanian Falcons (an acrobatic air patrol) have taken for several years in the Belgian airshows and the sale of Belgian F-16's to Jordan made the relationship between the Belgian and the Jordanian air force even more intense.
The detachment of 349 squadron from Kleine Brogel Air Base, led by Captain Kris Van De Putte, participated with 3 F-16's and 42 men of various specializations. The aircraft were to participate in various joint exercises during this meeting, including simulated air combat and precision ground attacks, but also other events such as a race for weapons specialists.
This exercise gave our troops the extra opportunity to gain experience in a region less known but with a landscape and weather conditions like the areas of operations in Afghanistan.
After 2007 this is the second time a Belgian detachment participated at the Falcon Air Meet. The FAM is a competitive air meeting between different nations employing F-16's. For 2 weeks the Royal Jordanian Air Force, the United States Air Force and the Belgian Air Force competed in airborne, ground and maintenance events. Due to commitments in Afghanistan and other training exercises the Belgian Air Component took part with only 3 aircraft while the USAF and RJAF could employ up to 4 aircraft for some specific events. The Belgian detachment consisted out of 29 technicians, 6 ops support personnel, 3 pilots, 2 ground controllers and 2 medics. The pilots and ops support personnel came from 349 Sqn which is based at Kleine Brogel.
On October the 20th the competition opened with a formation fly by which ended spectacularly in a split.
The second day was a scramble competition. This competition started with 2 pilots of each country who had to start up their aircraft as fast as possible.The pilots were wildly cheered on by the huge audience of Belgian, American and Jordanian military.
The second part consisted out of the interception of a transport aircraft. The engines roared and the fighting falcons majestically took to the air in chase of their prey, a CASA transport aircraft. All events were judged with the results being released at the end of the exercise. A perfect timing and a correct and safe execution are of the highest importance. But the FAM is above all a perfect opportunity to create a common operational understanding and foster better relations with Jordan. In March 2009 the last 8 F-16 MLU were flown in from Kleine Brogel to their new home in Jordan, Azraq air base. This concluded the sale of in total 16 Belgian F-16's to Jordan. The training of Jordan pilots and technicians in Belgium made the relationships between both countries and air forces even more intense.
The detachment was thoroughly briefed about the local customs and sensitivities. Jordanians are a very hospitable people and we made every effort not to offend their beliefs and customs. The 3 women of the Belgian detachment were treated with the utmost respect. Jordan is certainly a country well worth visiting for its cultural heritage, amazing scenery and helpful people.
