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Florennes,
As this is almost the last TLP at Florennes and the weather was good for
a change. We decided to go to Florennes.
With the new Mirage's and F-16's from Greece and Poland it would be a
good visit
2009-2 was the first TLP course in which the Hellenic Air Force
participated with its new Dassault Mirage 2000-5EG multi-role combat
aircraft. Three of the four jets were upgraded Mirage 2000EGs (527, 540
and 545 formerly 227, 240 and 245), while the fourth (553) was a
newly-built Mirage 2000-5EG. All aircraft belonged to 331 Mira of
Tanagra based 114 Wing.
TLP is currently based at Florennes Air Base, Belgium, but will operate
from Albacete Air Base, Spain, from TLP Course 2009-4 onwards. The dense
air traffic over Belgium, the often limiting weather conditions and the
ban on night-flying are among the often cited reasons for the move to
Spain.
The Spanish Air Force was the largest participant in TLP 2009-2 with six
upgraded Boeing EF-18M aircraft of Ala 12 and Ala 14, based at Torrejon
and Zaragoza Air Bases respectively. Participation by member states in
the different TLP courses is regularly limited by equipment or personnel
availability. Because of there commitments in numerous missions abroad
in the gulf region and Afghanistan.
.
One of the newest aircraft at TLP 2009-2 where the Polish Air Force
Lockheed Martin F-16C Block 52+. Of the 31st Air Base at Poznan. Poland takes up
a number of open slots reserved for other participants. The Polish Air Force made it in no time from Observer,
over Red Air to Blue Air participant thanks to its advanced equipment
and its thorough training.
With the good weather we had it was a enjoyable day at Florennes. In
stark contrast to the last two TLP exercises at Florennes.
Where bad weather conditions resulted in a large number of cancelled
missions. Giving those in favour of the move of TLP to Spain a
point.
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