Dutch government closes Eindhoven AB

[phkza]

Read this: http://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/9818 ... sis__.html

In short: Eindhoven AB is due to be closed, all transport aircraft (KDC-10 / C-130) will be transferred to BELGIAN Melsbroek AB (Brussels).

Are they out of their mind? Yes, why not base all our F-16's in Germany then, while we're at it?

[Stratofreighter]

Slightly more details at http://www.binnenlandsbestuur.nl/Home/a ... 1611.lynkx
and the official "Beleidsbrief" at
http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/documenten- ... ensie.html

[aviodromefriend]

Are they out of their mind?

Don't think so. The first (and probably easiest) of the multi-national collaborations as were announced back in April.

why not base all our F-16's in Germany then, while we're at it?

I wouldn't be surprised to find the nuclear F-16 tasks and squadron to move to Kleine Brogel, TBH.

[Stefan]

Also read this:
http://www.hln.be/hln/nl/957/Belgie/art ... izen.dhtml

Regards,
Stefan

[nick777]

In short: Eindhoven AB is due to be closed, all transport aircraft (KDC-10 / C-130) will be transferred to BELGIAN Melsbroek AB (Brussels).

Are they out of their mind? Yes, why not base all our F-16's in Germany then, while we're at it?

I think they are not out of their mind. Because an collaboration Air Force is more efficient instead of a stand alone air force. You can think at an Airforce like a Benelux one.

It is tradional to think that an air-force can opperate only alone.
The technology now a days is also at an high level, that collaboration is possible.

[Viper810]

In short: Eindhoven AB is due to be closed, all transport aircraft (KDC-10 / C-130) will be transferred to BELGIAN Melsbroek AB (Brussels).

Are they out of their mind? Yes, why not base all our F-16's in Germany then, while we're at it?

I think they are not out of their mind. Because an collaboration Air Force is more efficient instead of a stand alone air force. You can think at an Airforce like a Benelux one.

It is tradional to think that an air-force can opperate only alone.
The technology now a days is also at an high level, that collaboration is possible.

Benelux Air Force. Hmm i'm not sure i would like that.

[Polecat]

besides, if Schiphol really really wants eindhoven as a hub, they will probably pay the equivalent of a couple of F-35's for the airbase

[ferrie76]

Insane!!

[Coati]

Very straightforward and clever to take such steps and bundle forces. Much more effective.

[zeeuwric]

our Minister also declared to work together with germany, so closing eindhoven does not look so insane anymore. I foresee a combined leeuwarden/wittmund airbase... in leeuwarden of course!!

Any other combination suggetions for Minister Hillen?

[Thijs]

Finally! Air transport is such a homogenous product that every air force can provide this service. The same goes for arieal refeulling. But good coordination, planning, rules and regulation are necessary. but with the introduction of EATC the first steps for collaboration have been done.

Another combination, Belgium and Dutch initial flight training at Woensdrecht. Or Belgium and Dutch NH-90 maintenance at Woensdrecht.

[boonens]

It all makes sense now. The Cougars are wfu to free up space for the Belgian NH90's at Gilze.

[ehusmann]

why not base all our F-16's in Germany then, while we're at it?

Well, for years our airspace has been moitored and controlled by planes based in Germany.... the AWACS. I don´t think anyone is still in doubt about that. Except maybe people in Limburg that have a problem with the noise, but that is a different matter.

Erwin

[Roel van Gestel]

It's a wise decision, yet not the one we would love to see happening, hobby-wise.
Our fleet is being used for all kind of missions outside NL or even Europe. Using an expensive piece of a local airport just for that is not that smart.
Anyway, it would be nice if the budget cutting comes to an end now. Or do we still fear for Leeuwarden and/or Volkel?

Good news for the transport crews: Beer! Belgian fries with real mayonaise!

[aviodromefriend]

It's a wise decision, yet not the one we would love to see happening, hobby-wise.
Our fleet is being used for all kind of missions outside NL or even Europe. Using an expensive piece of a local airport just for that is not that smart.
Anyway, it would be nice if the budget cutting comes to an end now. Or do we still fear for Leeuwarden and/or Volkel?

Good news for the transport crews: Beer! Belgian fries with real mayonaise!

They have said already Leeuwarden and Volkel are safe. That are the only ones though.