Royal Netherlands Air Force Marks New Chapter: F-35 Fleet Achieves Full Operational Capability as F-16s are Retired

 The announcement that the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) has declared its fleet of F-35A Lightning II aircraft as fully operational represents a significant milestone in the modernization of the country’s defense capabilities. This achievement means that the F-35s have reached Full Operational Capability (FOC), enabling them to conduct critical missions including airspace surveillance, counterterrorism operations, and also participation in NATO's nuclear deterrence strategy.

The Context of the F-35 in the Royal Netherlands Air Force

The F-35A is a fifth-generation stealth fighter designed to perform a wide range of functions on the modern battlefield, replacing the older F-16, which for more than four decades served as the backbone of the country's air defense. Lieutenant General Dennis Luyt, commander of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, highlighted the strategic importance of the F-35 by stating: *“The F-35 allows us to deliver critical long-range military effects at any time. This is a game changer for the Dutch Armed Forces.”*

This fighter is equipped with advanced stealth technology, integrated sensors, and a greater operational range compared to its predecessor, making it an indispensable tool for both defensive and offensive operations. Additionally, the F-35 can perform missions that would expose other fighters, thanks to its ability to evade radar and its advanced situational awareness, allowing it to identify and strike targets with unprecedented precision.

The Transition from the F-16 to the F-35

The shift from the F-16 to the F-35 has been a carefully planned process over the past decade. The RNLAF has been progressively integrating the F-35 into its fleet since it received its first aircraft in 2019. This process reached its culmination in 2024, with the official retirement of the F-16 from active service. The last operational flight of an F-16 took place during a ceremony on September 27, 2024, at Volkel Air Base, where homage was paid to this aircraft that has been a key pillar of NATO operations and the national defense of the Netherlands.

The F-16 was first introduced in 1979, and since then, it has participated in numerous international missions, including operations in the Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, and more recently in the Baltic as part of NATO’s air policing operations. Despite its impressive record, the F-16’s technology has become outdated in the face of the increasing demands of modern warfare, particularly against advanced threats such as Russian and Chinese air defense systems. Therefore, replacing the F-16 with the F-35 not only improves the Netherlands’ defense capability but also ensures its relevance in future NATO operations.

The Role of the F-35 in International Defense

The declaration of the full operational capability of the F-35 allows the RNLAF to deploy these aircraft across a full spectrum of international operations. With advanced stealth capabilities and superior sensor systems, the F-35 is a crucial asset for both air defense and strike missions. Its ability to collect, process, and share information in real-time makes it a "force multiplier," not just for the Netherlands, but for all NATO allies with whom it operates.

Moreover, the F-35 is designed to seamlessly integrate with NATO’s defense infrastructure, ensuring that the Netherlands will play a crucial role in Europe’s collective security. NATO has increasingly focused on upgrading the air fleets of its member states, given that current threats require aircraft capable of operating in more complex and dangerous environments, including airspaces denied by advanced air defense systems.

International Collaboration and Nuclear Capability

It is important to note that the operational capability of the F-35 ensures that the Netherlands can continue to fulfill its role within NATO’s nuclear deterrence framework. Since the Cold War, the Royal Netherlands Air Force has played a key role in delivering nuclear weapons on behalf of NATO under the alliance’s nuclear-sharing program. With the retirement of the F-16, the F-35 will also assume this responsibility. While details about these missions are generally classified, it is known that the F-35A can be equipped with tactical nuclear weapons, such as the B61 nuclear bomb, which strengthens NATO’s capacity to maintain a strategic balance in Europe.

Support for Ukraine and the Donation of F-16s

In addition to the internal transition to the F-35s, the Netherlands has made a significant contribution to Ukraine’s defense in its conflict with Russia. In an unprecedented move, the Netherlands announced that it would donate 24 F-16 aircraft to Ukraine, as part of international efforts to bolster the country’s air defenses against Russian attacks. The first batch of F-16s was transported to Ukraine in July 2024, and some of these aircraft have already been deployed in combat. This gesture not only helps Ukraine defend itself but also symbolizes the Netherlands’ commitment to security and stability in Eastern Europe.

Future Prospects

As the Royal Netherlands Air Force fully adopts the F-35, it enters a new era of defense capabilities. The advanced technology and versatility of this aircraft position the Netherlands as a leader within NATO when it comes to air power. Although the retirement of the F-16 marks the end of an important chapter in the country’s military history, the introduction of the F-35A ensures that the armed forces will be better equipped to face the security challenges of the future.

The use of the F-35 also reflects a broader trend within NATO toward the modernization of air fleets, as more European countries look to upgrade their militaries to face emerging threats, both conventional and unconventional. This shift ensures that NATO will remain a robust and adaptable alliance, capable of responding to any challenge in the near future.

In conclusion, the full operational capability of the F-35 in the Royal Netherlands Air Force is a monumental advancement that not only enhances national security but also strengthens the collective defense of Europe within NATO. With this aircraft in its arsenal, the Netherlands is well-prepared to contribute significantly to international operations and ensure its responsiveness to future threats.