[History] SABCA F-104G Starfighter

In the early Cold War era, the Belgian Air Force (Force Aérienne Belge, FAB) faced the challenge of modernizing its fighter fleet to meet escalating NATO air defence demands. During the 1950s, Belgium operated subsonic fighters such as the Republic F-84F Thunderstreak and the Hunter F.6, which were increasingly seen as inadequate against emerging high-speed threats. In response, NATO initiated a coordinated effort to equip several of its European members with a supersonic multi-role platform capable of both interception and tactical strike duties. Belgium opted to join this programme by selecting the Lockheed F-104G Starfighter, a derivative of the original Lockheed F-104 designed with enhancements tailored for European operations.

The F-104G represented a significant technological leap for the Belgian Air Force: it was a Mach 2-capable aircraft with advanced avionics, steep climb performance, and adaptability for air defence and strike roles. Its introduction marked the culmination of transition from early jet fighters to a modern supersonic capability for NATO’s northern flank.

Design and Specifications

The F-104G’s design prioritized high-speed performance and operational flexibility. It was powered by a single General Electric J79-GE-11A turbojet engine, which enabled speeds exceeding Mach 2 at altitude and a climb rate among the fastest of its generation. The aircraft’s avionics suite (as of its most modern upgrade) included an Autonetics NASARR F15A-41B radar system for air-to-air interception and basic ground mapping capability, as well as a Litton LN-3 inertial navigation system which improved long-range navigation and weapons delivery.

Armament consisted of the M61A1 Vulcan 20mm rotary cannon, typically mounted internally, and provisions for AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, bombs, and rockets on underwing and fuselage hardpoints. Belgian Starfighters were also configured to carry tactical nuclear weapons in support of NATO doctrines at the height of the Cold War.

Belgian F-104Gs initially appeared in natural metal finish but subsequently transitioned to a Vietnam-era camouflage scheme featuring two-tone green and tan upper surfaces with light undersides as part of mid-life refurbishment programmes in the late 1960s.

Performance highlights included a service ceiling over 15,000 m and the ability to accelerate rapidly to high altitudes, making it well suited to interception roles. One F-104G (serial FX-11) notably set a Brussels-Paris speed record of 9 min and 55 sec in 1963 with an average speed exceeding 1,576 km/h.

Development and Acquisition

The F-104G variant was developed under a consortium led by Lockheed but built under licence in several European countries, including Belgium. The Belgian government initially placed its order in 1960, committing to 100 F-104G single-seat fighters and 12 TF-104G two-seat variants. Of these, 25 single-seat aircraft and three two-seat trainers were funded under the U.S. Military Assistance Program (MAP), which was typical at the time for BAF acquisitions.

Domestic aerospace participation was a key feature of the procurement: SABCA (Société Anonyme Belge de Constructions Aéronautiques) assembled the majority of the F-104Gs in Belgium, while Fabrique Nationale (FN) manufactured 1,225 General Electric J79 turbojet engines under licence, which were used not only by Belgium but also supplied to other F-104 operators in Europe.

The first Belgian Starfighters began arriving in February 1963; the type officially entered service with the Belgian Air Force later that year. One aircraft originally assigned the serial FX-27 crashed before delivery and was replaced by a new airframe bearing the same serial number.

Operational History

Entry Into Service

The F-104G arrived in Belgium during a period of evolving NATO strategy. The first formal deliveries were made in April 1963 when aircraft such as FX-03 and FX-04 were presented in public ceremonies.

The Belgian Starfighter completed pilot conversion and early operational evaluation with support from training units in West Germany who already had this type in service. Belgian pilots transitioned onto two-seat trainers and dual-control platforms before returning to Belgium for frontline duties.

NATO Integration and Missions

Belgium’s Starfighters stood alert in support of NATO’s integrated air defence network throughout the Cold War. At Beauvechain Air Base, F-104Gs maintained quick-reaction alerts ready to intercept intruding aircraft across the Western European theatre, often operating in conjunction with neighbouring NATO air forces. At Kleine-Brogel Air Base, F-104Gs conducted tactical strike training, low-level navigation exercises, and weapons delivery profiles including conventional and nuclear strike scenarios.

Belgian F-104s participated in regular NATO deployments and multinational exercises across Germany, Italy, and France, often flying intensive sortie schedules that tested both pilot endurance and the aircraft’s systems.

Tactical Evaluations and Upgrades

During its operational life, the Starfighter fleet underwent upgrades in avionics, navigation, and weapons delivery systems to maintain relevance. Most of the equipment noted in Design was absent at first. Early modifications focused on avionics and navigation, including the NASARR (North American Search and Range Radar) system, which integrated low- and high-altitude navigation and basic fire-control functions. The crews trained extensively on two converted DC-3 “Pinocchio” aircraft equipped with NASARR, allowing pilots to master the new avionics without the complexities of the F-104G itself.

Mid-life upgrades expanded or ensured operational capabilities, but were universal across most non-SABCA F-104Gs too, as SABCA supplied the integration of the NASARR. These included the installation of earlier discussed improved radar and navigation packages (like the Litton LN-3 inertial navigation system), mostly by updating the software or replacing hardware with more modern or durable components in the radar systems, allowing for more precise interception missions at both high and low altitude. Experimentation with Sidewinder missile rails on the fuselage was briefly conducted in 1970, as they weren’t available before that on the SABCA models, but they didn’t remain in-service for long with these, as the F-16 took over this role in the 1980s. All of these upgrades were typical for the F-104G in German and Dutch service as well: Specifically structural reinforcements for low-level penetration and ground-attack operations were immediately retained from the German F-104G specifications and plans, and with help from SABCA and Fokker, implemented on Dutch F-104G as well.

One specific feature which let the Belgian F-104G stand out among its class were the large amount of liveries used during NATO missions and training exercises, but in other parts it was mostly near-similar and identical in capabilities in Dutch, Italian and German F-104G single-seat models.

Squadrons and Units

Belgian F-104Gs were assigned to four frontline squadrons within two wings:

Each squadron adopted unique tail markings and traditions, including wing-specific symbols and heritage identifiers, that reflected the Belgian Air Force’s culture (from the air service in WWI) and tactical roles (ex.g. The Red devil specialising in FB configurations, and the nailed ball on chain (Flail), being a mostly interceptor figter-vs-fighter squadron).

Aerobatic and Display Operations

Belgium distinguished itself among NATO operators by fielding a dedicated Starfighter demonstration team known as “The Slivers.” Active from 1969 to 1975, the team performed fast, precision passes and synchronized manoeuvres in high-speed, low-level flight profiles that demonstrated both pilot skill and the performance envelope of the F-104G. Despite the aircraft’s high landing and stall speeds, the Slivers completed all official performances without accident, earning recognition across Europe for their tight formations and daring profiles.

Accidents and Safety Record

Operating advanced supersonic aircraft in demanding environments carried inherent risks. Over the Belgian F-104G’s 20-year service life, the fleet suffered 41 aircraft losses (38 single-seat F-104G and 3 two-seat TF-104G), equating to approximately 37% of the total force. These losses resulted from a mix of technical failures, mid-air collisions, controlled flight into terrain during low-level training, and other operational hazards that were emblematic of the era’s high-performance jet operations.

Very few resulted in deaths of casualities, but one became rather famous at the time:

Retirement and Legacy

By the late 1970s, the next generation of fighter technology was arriving. Belgium elected to modernize its air force with the General Dynamics F-16A/B Fighting Falcon, a multi-role platform with advanced avionics and fly-by-wire controls. Transition to F-16s began with the 1st Wing, followed by units at Kleine-Brogel.

The final Belgian F-104G left service on 19 September 1983, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in Belgian aviation history. Following retirement, surviving aircraft were distributed to foreign users and museums: 18 and 23 aircraft were transferred abroad (principally to Turkey and Taiwan), while others were scrapped or preserved as static displays and training airframes.

Today, preserved Belgian Starfighters remain on display in museums and air bases across Europe, serving as reminders of both the aircraft’s capabilities and the bravery of the pilots who flew them.