Operational Integration Exercise (OIE 2007)
Kleine Brogel Air Base
Belgian F-16BM Fighting Falcon painted in its 20th Anniversary scheme for the OCU
The Belgian Air Component's F-16 OCU (Operational Conversion Unit) celebrated its 20th Anniversary in July 2007 and to commemorate this event it held a COMAO (COMbined Air Operations) exercise at Kleine Brogel. Most of the aircraft arrived on Monday 16th July, with academic lectures on the history and role of the OCU taking place that afternoon. On the following day (Tuesday 17th July), the OIE took place, along with the Belgian Air Component opening its doors to military aviation enthusiasts to watch the exercise. According to event organisers some 5,000 people took advantage of this 'open door' and the opportunity to see NATO air arms up close. Over sixty aircraft were present, of which approximately forty took part in the OIE.
The purpose of a COMAO is to enhance the ability of selected aircrew members and mission planners to effectively integrate the various attack/support components within a strike package, plan tactics which best consider the capabilities and limitations of each system, communicate the plan to each component, assemble the package and then brief the composite attack force mission. A number of these COMAO's take place throughout each year at a variety of locations (the TLP's or Tactical Leadership Programmes being a prime example). This particular COMAO had a ficticious scenario of an enemy claimimg Northern Germany as its territory, with Wittmund, Nordholz and Diepholz being targeted by the friendly forces.
F-16AM Fighting Falcon of the Royal Danish Air Force
The Portuguese Air Force sent two F-16's to KB. This F-16B from 201 Sqn and a F-16BM from 301 Sqn, both based at Monte Real
This Luftwaffe crew from JGB.33 go through their per-flight checks in their Tornado IDS
JBG.31 'Boelke' from Norvenich also participated in the OIE with their Tornado IDS's
Two Luftwaffe Tornado's from JBG.31 get airborne at KB. Note the differing new grey and the old green camo' schemes worn
The Hellenic Air Force were strong attendees, bringing along two F-16's, two A-7's and two F-4's
F-4E (AUP) Phantom 01512 from 338 Mira at Andravida is seen on the flightline above
A sight to get the heart racing! J-79's power the Hellenic Air Force F-4E into the air.
330 Mira at Nea Ankhialos provided the two F-16C's from the Hellenic Air Force
160560 from 335 Mira was one of two Vought A-7E Corsair's from the Hellenic Air Force present
The other Greek A-7 was this two seater TA-7H 156774 (note it is marked as 155774)
5 Stormo of the Aeronautica Militare Italiana from Cervia provided four F-16A's for the 2007 OIE
Dassault Rafale's from both the French Air Force and Marine attended KB
This example is a Rafale M from 12 Flottille from the French Navy
French Air Force Rafale B 318/7-HM is from 7 Escadre de Chasse at St. Dizier
Dassault Mirage 2000N from Escadre de Chasse 02/004 at Luxeuil
The last of many! CM.170 Magister MT35 is the last of its type in operational service with the Belgian Air Component
One of many Belgian F-16's that flew in the COMAO at Kleine Brogel
FA101 with a '1 Sqn Stingers 90 Years' commemorative scheme
FA134 is yet another Belgian F-16AM that sported a special paint scheme at KB
This Northrop SF-5B(M) was the sole Spanish Air Force aircraft present at the 2007 OIE at Kleine Brogel
93-0668 from 192 Filo proudly displays its high-viz 'Tiger' tanks
Sister ship 93-0695 is not quite so extravagant with its Tiger marked drop tanks
6054 was one of three Czech L.159 Alca's at Kleine Brogel, seen here taxying out
The Czech's also bought two of their new Saab Jas 39 Gripen's. A two-seat D model and this single seat C model.
The Gripen's and Alca's are both from 21 Tactical Wing at Caslav Air Base
Thanks must go to Major Van Pe' and Adjutent C. Peter Dewael from the Belgian Air Component's Public Relations Department for arranging access to the OIE