This morning, a mixed formation of Belgian and French combat aircraft conducted an air-to-air refueling operation over Hungary before continuing their eastbound flight.
The Belgian Air Force deployed several F-16AM Fighting Falcons (callsign BAF251) from Florennes Air Base, while the French Air Force participated with Mirage 2000-5F fighters (callsign FAF7101) departing from Luxeuil Air Base.
The operation was supported by an impressive lineup of four French Air Force Airbus A330MRTT tankers (FAF4091, FAF4092, FAF4098, CTM1080), which coordinated refueling tracks between Austria and Hungary.
After completing refueling, both the Belgian and French fighters continued eastward, suggesting a possible mission over the Black Sea area — a region where NATO has been maintaining regular surveillance and deterrence operations.
It has been quite some time since we’ve observed such a significant joint deployment of NATO air assets heading toward Eastern Europe, underlining the Alliance’s readiness and strong commitment to collective defense along its eastern flank.
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