Belgium carried out a new air operation over the Black Sea as part of Operation Black Sea Region, deploying F-16 fighter jets alongside French Mirage aircraft. Conducted over international waters in a strategically sensitive corridor linking Europe, the Caucasus, and the Middle East, the mission underscored the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight as core elements of European security. Belgium’s engagement demonstrates its role as an active contributor to regional stability and allied deterrence. The rotation featured a Belgian F-16 with external fuel tanks flying in formation with four French Mirage 2000s, including twin-seat strike and training variants. The operation highlighted the high level of interoperability, coordinated procedures, and harmonised rules of engagement required to operate safely and effectively in contested international airspace.
