2023: Belgian Air Force SF260 Marchetti's to be retired...

[Stratofreighter]

https://defencebelgium.com/2020/10/27/l ... dici-2023/

Translation
https://translate.google.com/ ......

The withdrawal of the Marchetti will take place by 2023.

The need for his replacement was first raised in 2019 but no withdrawal date had yet been set.
Asked about the nuisance of the device by the deputy Julie Chanson (Ecolo-Groen),
the new minister Ludivine Dedonder gave indications on its imminent end.

"The solution to the problem of nuisances linked to the SF260 Marchetti
must be seen in the medium term since this device will be withdrawn from use at the latest in 2023
and replaced by a new aircraft intended for the basic training of military pilots" , he said. -she explains.

On the other hand, the annual flight plan of the Marchetti fleet has been reduced to reach 4,500 flight hours in 2020,
hours which will not all be flown due to the health crisis, the minister also indicated.

Today, Marchetti's fleet has 32 aircraft, of which an average of 25 are operational.
The preferred avenue for its replacement is outsourcing with the leasing of aircraft and logistics maintenance.

https://defencebelgium.com/2020/10/27/l ... dici-2023/

[nils]

in my opinion, leasing for this need doesnt make any sense, basic training aircraft are not that expensive to buy and operate.
an ideal candidate would be the Belgian made Sonaca 200. with a basic unit cost of €175.000 + another 25.000/aircraft for additional equipment, military radio's and spares. take the need is for 25 aircraft, the total cost would be €5 million. you cant lease services for that price. if privatisation goes ahead, half the Belgian Air Force would be in civilian hands.