Belgian Air Force Heritage Flight

History will take to the skies over Hechtel-Eksel this September. In 1946, just one year after the end of the devastation of the Second World War, the Belgian Air Force was founded as an independent arm of the Belgian military. Eight decades later, the story of Belgian air power continues to unfold. During the weekend of 12 & 13 September 2026, the International Sanicole Airshow will proudly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Belgian Air Force with a breathtaking highlight: The Belgian Air Force Heritage Flight.

Leading this spectacular formation is the immaculate Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVI of Kris Van den Bergh, based at Brustem Airfield. This legendary fighter was the very first fighter operated by the Belgian Air Force, and its name became synonymous with courage when Belgian pilots flew it in combat with the Royal Air Force during the war. Kris’ beautifully restored Spitfire wears the historic wartime colours of, a proud unit that continues its mission today from Kleine-Brogel Air Base.

Flying alongside this icon of history will be Belgium’s current frontline fighter, the formidable General Dynamics F 16 Fighting Falcon. For 47 years, the F-16 has safeguarded Belgian and NATO airspace with unmatched reliability and performance. Soon, a new era begins as the cutting-edge Lockheed Martin F 35 Lightning II gradually enters service from 2026 onwards.
This extraordinary formation therefore unites past and present in one powerful aerial tribute:
the aircraft that started it all and the fighter that has protected Belgium for nearly half a century.

The past will roar. The present will thunder. Witness aviation heritage and modern air power fly side by side at the International Sanicole Airshow, above Hechtel Eksel in Limburg, Belgium, during the weekend of 12-13 September 2026.

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