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.

Royal Netherlands Air Force Deploys MQ-9A Reaper Drones to Romania for NATO Reconnaissance missions

The Royal Netherlands Air Force  has announced the deployment of General Atomics MQ-9A Reaper drones by the Royal Netherlands Air Force to Romania. The Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) will be stationed at Campia Turzii air base in Romania, primarily for reconnaissance missions along NATO's eastern border. Three MQ-9A Reaper drones, originally located in the Caribbean, are being relocated to Romania, along with approximately 140 personnel from the Dutch Air Force. The deployment is expected to last for a period ranging from six to twelve months.

The operation involves control and command stations for the drone operators located at Leeuwarden base in the Netherlands. The Dutch Air Force emphasizes that the MQ-9A drones will exclusively perform reconnaissance missions over Central Europe.

The Netherlands possesses four MQ-9A Reaper drones, delivered in 2022. Positive assessments of their performance led to a decision to increase the fleet in August of the previous year. Additionally, in May of the same year, a decision was made to modify the drones to enable them to carry weapons. The MQ-9A is expected to achieve initial operational readiness for armed missions by 2025, with full operational capability anticipated by 2028.

The Dutch Government Confirms Supplying 18 F-16 Fighter Jets to Ukraine

The Netherlands officially announced the delivery of 18 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to aid in its struggle against Russia's invasion. In a statement made by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, he conveyed the decision to prepare and supply these aircraft to Ukraine during a phone conversation with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The confirmed delivery follows earlier assurances in August regarding the supply of these planes, a move that aligns with Ukraine's requests for military assistance. Though the total number of aircraft to be provided was previously undisclosed, it's now confirmed that the Dutch military holds 18 non-operational F-16s out of a surplus, while the other 24 are operational.

Rutte emphasized the significance of this delivery, stating, "The delivery of F-16s is one of the most critical elements of the agreements made on military support for Ukraine." However, the delivery is subject to an export permit from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and compliance with specific criteria regarding personnel and infrastructure in Ukraine.

The decision underscores the Netherlands' steadfast commitment to bolstering Ukraine's response to the ongoing Russian aggression, confirming their continued support. The conversation between Rutte and Zelenskyy also addressed current military necessities, including artillery, drones, and air defense.

Moreover, the Netherlands has been instrumental in establishing a training center for F-16 fighter pilots in Romania. The center, used for instructing Ukrainian and Romanian pilots, currently houses five F-16 units from the Netherlands for a six-to-eight-month training program.

In addition, Rutte affirmed the Netherlands' dedication to facilitating Ukraine's EU accession talks, promising efforts to secure a financial support agreement of €50 billion at the February 2024 European Council meeting. This comes after Hungary's recent blockage of the EU's proposal for aid to Ukraine.

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the Netherlands' support in opening Ukraine's EU accession discussions and highlighted the significance of securing the EU assistance soon. The conversation also touched upon ongoing efforts to consolidate international backing for Ukraine's vision of a just peace, reaffirming the commitment to further Peace Formula discussions.

Dutch Court Denies Request to Block Transfer of F-35 Fighter Jet Parts to Israel from The Netherlands

A Dutch court on Friday rejected a request by a group of human rights and humanitarian organizations to order a halt to the transfer to Israel of parts for F-35 fighter jets.

The organizations went to court Dec. 4 arguing that delivery of parts for the aircraft makes the Netherlands complicit in possible war crimes being committed by Israel in its war with Hamas. The parts are stored in a warehouse in the Dutch town of Woensdrecht.

In a written statement, the Hague District Court said the judge who heard the civil case concluded that the government of the Netherlands “weighed the relevant interests” before agreeing to the delivery of parts.

Lawyer Liesbeth Zegveld told the court that the Dutch government decided to continue transferring F-35 parts to Israel even after the deadly Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas triggered the Israel-Hamas war. 

Romania Strengthens NATO Alliance with New F-16 Training Hub Amid Eastern Europe's Security Concerns

Romania, a NATO member since 2004, took a significant step on Monday, November 13th, inaugurating an international training hub designed explicitly for F-16 jet pilots from allied nations and partnersa NATO member since 2004, took a significant step on Monday, November 13th, inaugurating an international training hub designed explicitly for F-16 jet pilots from allied nations and partners. The facility, established at an air base in Fetesti in southeast Romania, serves the purpose of enhancing interoperability among NATO allies. Romania's defense ministry highlighted that this initiative aims to fortify the military alliance's capabilities in addressing the intricate challenges prevalent in Eastern Europe and the Black Sea region.

The training center, a joint effort involving the Royal Netherlands Air Force supplying the F-16 U.S.-made warplanes and Lockheed Martin providing instructors and maintenance, is strategically positioned given Romania's long border with Ukraine. This move aligns with recent developments as NATO countries responded to Ukraine's requests for sophisticated fighter planes following Russia's invasion in February 2022.

In light of the conflict, Romania significantly increased defense spending, while NATO reinforced its presence in Europe's eastern flank by deploying additional multinational battle groups to member countries such as Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Slovakia. Romania's proactive stance on regional security challenges was further underlined by its recent efforts to procure 54 cutting-edge Abrams main battle tanks from the United States, valued at over a billion dollars.

Additionally, Romania's commitment to modernizing its air force was evident as the Supreme Council of National Defense approved the acquisition of the latest generation of American-made F-35 fighter jets. The country's active involvement in the alliance was evident in its hosting of a NATO foreign ministers' meeting in November 2022, further solidifying its role within the NATO framework. 

Chilean Air Force to Modernize 36 F-16 Fighters

Chile is set to enhance 36 operational F-16 fighter jets in a deal stamped with Lockheed Martin, through a $177 million contract, as disclosed by the Pentagon. The agreement, announced on October 31, involves the modification of F-16AM/BM Block 15/20 MLU aircraft to the M6.6 standard. As stated by a spokesperson from Lockheed, the program aims to deliver advanced identification friend or foe capability and integrate the Link 16 tactical communications system.

The upgrade process is scheduled to occur in Fort Worth, Texas, and Greenville, South Carolina, along with Chilean Air Force maintenance workshops in Santiago and Antofagasta, according to information from both the Pentagon and Chilean military sources. Lockheed is expected to complete the project by November 30, 2032. The upgraded F-16s are anticipated to remain operational until the early 2040s, signifying the potential initiation of additional expenditures and agreements.

Initial plans included the installation of active electronically scanned array radars, but this has changed due to the current analogue radars being supplemented by real-time situational and targeting data from E-3D Sentry airborne warning and control aircraft, acquired from the U.K. in 2022.

The Chilean Air Force had sought funding for the F-16 upgrade program in 2019, with the U.S. State Department concurrently working on export authorization for associated systems and parts to Chile. However, the Chilean government declined the funding for technical and financial reasons, opting to instruct the service to request funds in the 2021 national budget. Although related sales were approved by the State Department in 2020, the Chilean government postponed the project amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Chile initially ordered 36 F-16 MLU jets from the Netherlands in two separate batches of 18 each in 2005 and 2009. The last aircraft were delivered in 2011, and while all jets are operational, two airframes are utilized for training technicians and ground crews.

12 to 18 Dutch F-16s fly to Romania for Ukrainian pilot training

The Dutch News Agency ANP recently quoted the Minister of Defense of the Netherlands, announcing plans to deploy between 12 and 18 F-16 fighter jets to Romania shortly. This move is part of a broader initiative to train Ukrainian pilots.  

Royal Netherlands Air Force  inventory comprises 42 aircraft. These are being replaced by F-35s. It's expected to shift up to 24 fighter jets to Ukraine, reserving the remaining for training purposes.

F-16 will be inducted into Ukrainian Air Force Service in 6-8 months. 

The Netherlands is preparing deployment of Eight F-35 to Poland

The Royal Netherlands Air Force is preparing a deployment of their F-35 fighter jets in support of NATO’s enhanced Air Policing mission in the northeast.  Eight F-35s are going to deploy to Malbork, Poland, to join NATO’s mission bolstering the defensive posture along the eastern flank in February and March 2023. While four of the fifth-generation fighters will be employed in support of policing the skies in the region, the other four aircraft will conduct training and exercise drills with Allies, ready to augment the defensive mission when required. 

In May 2022, the Netherlands completed a two-month F-35 deployment to Bulgaria in May. 

While deployed to Marlbork, the Netherlands form part of the current rotation of three other Allies who operate fighters out of the Baltic region: Poland and France fly F-16 and Rafale fighters out of Siauliai, Lithuania, and Germany launches their Eurofighters out of Ämari, Estonia.

nato

Netherlands To Activate Its 3rd F-35 Air Base Russian Military Ops In Ukraine

The Netherlands plans to reopen the decommissioned De Peel Air Facility as a third air base to house the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft. 

The government cited “the deteriorating security situation in the world” as an explanation for its latest decision. 

The decommissioned De Peel Air Base in the country’s southeast will likely be reactivated to serve as an F-35A station alongside Leeuwarden and Volkel air bases, according to the Dutch Ministry of Defense (MoD).

The ministry said that the armed services needed to practice more owing to the deteriorating security situation in the world. 

“As a result, the number of military flights is increasing, but due to the closure of the Soesterberg, Twenthe, and Valkenburg air bases some 16 years ago, the Ministry of Defense has little room to expand the number of flights,” the ministry added. 

The MOD added that all air bases “are ‘full,’ or almost full. Reopening of [the] De Peel Air Base helps to solve the lack of space at airbases.” The RNLAF conducted “noise experience flights” of the F-35A in the area prior to the planned reopening of the base to army air site visitors. 

According to the air force, the runway hasn’t yet been made suitable for F-35A takeoffs and landings, and much of the infrastructure needs to be updated to make room for the fifth-generation “stealth” fighter.

De Peel Air Base in Venray, which had two parallel runways when it was built in 1954 as a diversion airport, was never utilized as an active air base. It was, however, expanded in 1973 for possible NATO use.

In 1993, the base was decommissioned as an operational airstrip. It later became the home of Groep Geleide Wapens (GGW; Guided Weapons Groups) of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF).

The Dutch MOD has stated that it plans to renovate De Peel’s runway and reopen De Peel as a functioning airfield no later than 2024. However, it has also noted that it would not invest in the facility until it has secured all necessary permits.

According to the plan, 12 F-35As will be able to do 3,600 flight movements over a period of 24 weeks per year, or 1,800 takeoffs and 1,800 landings, from De Peel each year.

urasiantimes 

The Netherlands plan to sign Reaper drone deal this week

The Netherlands plans to sign an agreement to buy four unmanned Reaper drones this week.
A Letter of Agreement for the surveillance drones could have been signed at the Farnborough International Airshow.
The deal for the MQ-9 Reaper drones, made by California-based General Atomics, was first approved by the U.S. State Department back in 2015.
The Dutch government said the intent to purchase was announced in 2016 as part of the Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle program. The deal was opposed by some Dutch lawmakers on July 5.
reuters

Dutch Air Force Assembling Their F-35 in Italy

Assembly is underway in Italy on a F-35 Joint Strike Fighter destined for the Netherlands Air Force.
The Netherlands is planning to assemble most of its F-35s at the line at Cameri in northern Italy, where Italian Air Force and Navy F-35s are already being assembled.
Dutch secretary of state for defense, Barbara Visser, attended a ceremony at Cameri on Thursday to mark the start of the work on Dutch aircraft.
The aircraft is the ninth of the Netherlands’ order of 37 F-35As. The first eight are being assembled at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth facility in the U.S.
The first Dutch F-35 assembled in the U.S. will roll off the Fort Worth line in January 2019 and will head to Luke Air Base for pilot training, said Plankman. “Six or seven of those assembled in the U.S. will go to Luke,” he added.
Under a deal struck with the Italian government, the remaining 29 Dutch aircraft will all be assembled at Cameri, which is owned by the Italian government and operated by Italian state-controled defense firm Leonardo in partnership with Lockheed Martin.
AN9 will be completed in February 2019 before undertaking test flights in Italy and heading to the Netherlands around October 2019. “It will be the first F-35 to arrive in the Netherlands,” said Plankman.
Cameri has already delivered F-35As to the Italian Air Force, which are flying from Italy’s Amendola Air Base.
In January, the first F-35B to be assembled outside the U.S., which is destined to fly with the Italian Navy, was handed over to Italy at Cameri.
Italy is currently due to purchase 60 F-35 As and 30 F-35Bs.
defensenews

The Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16s arrives in Lithuania to take over Baltic air policing mission

A contingent of Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft and personnel arrived at Siauliai Airbase in Lithuania on 2 January to assume the lead for NATO's Baltic Air Policing (BAP) mission.
Four F-16s and more than 120 personnel from the Leeuwarden and Vokel bases in the Netherlands arrived in Lithuania to relieve a contingent of French Air Force Dassault Mirage 2000s from 5 January. The Dutch F-16s will be supported in their mission by four German Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons that are based at Amari Airbase in Estonia, and which are being extended for a second four-month rotation.
Some 43 rotations have now been conducted since the NATO mission was launched in 2004. This will be the third time that the RNLAF has participated in the NATO BAP mission to protect the airspaces of the former Soviet republics of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, having previously undertaken the role in 2005 and 2014.
janes

First Two Dutch F-35s Land in the Netherlands

The Netherlands' first two F-35s landed at Leeuwarden Air Base on Monday, marking the fifth-generation jet's first eastbound transatlantic crossing.
The jets, made the journey from Edwards Air Force Base.
This appearance comes just weeks before Lockheed Martin's joint strike fighter is scheduled to make its international debut at the Royal International Air Tattoo and Farnborough Air Show in the United Kingdom
defensenews

Royal Netherlands Air Force F16 jets to start bombing in Syria

Dutch F16 fighter jets will take part in bombing raids over Syria, ministers agreed on Friday.
The Netherlands currently has four F16 fighters flying missions over Iraq and their mission will now be extended to eastern Syria. In addition, the Netherlands will ‘intensify’ its support for the Iraqi army and Kurdish forces in Iraq Kurdistan. The Netherlands has been under pressure from France and the US to get involved. However, the Dutch role in the wider region will stop at the end of June, when the Netherlands military campaign is due to end in July. Belgium will then take over from the Dutch but will confine its efforts to Iraq.
dutchnews

Netherlands to acquire 14 more CH-47F rotorcraft

Recognising the Chinook’s importance in missions such as deploying quick reaction forces and humanitarian assistance, the Dutch air force has decided to retire its 10 ageing CH-47Ds – which were delivered from 1995 – and upgrade its existing six F-model examples, which entered use from 2013.
Following their delivery from 2019, the Dutch aircraft will receive some modifications in the USA to meet the nation’s operational demands and certification standards. These will include installing crash-protected seats in the cockpit and cabin, and a VHF radio to enable secure communications with ground forces. Self-protection and icing detection equipment, a fast rope insertion and extraction system and an emergency locator transmitter will also be provided, along with a piloting function for its forward-looking infrared system.
flightglobal

Fighter jet exercise kicks off in Norway

One of Europe’s largest fighter jet exercises kicked off Monday north of the Arctic Circle, a region where growing Russian activity has sparked concerns among neighboring countries.
Arctic Challenge 2015 brings together close to 100 fighter jets and more than 4,000 individual participants from nine nations, according to Norway’s military, which is hosting the exercise. Twelve USAF F-16 fighters will take part in the 12-day event, as will several of NATO’s early warning aircraft, known as AWACS.
The drills aim to smooth coordination among allies operating in a region stretching from northern Norway across Sweden to Finland. It comes at a time of growing Russian air activity in the region, which is adjacent to Russian territory.
Arctic Challenge was last held in 2013. This year’s event is one of a series of bulked-up military exercises being held across northern Europe in response to increased Russian military activity.
Non-NATO members Sweden and Finland are participating more frequently in those exercises and training, as a consequence of increased tensions in the area.
Other participants in the exercise include Britain, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Switzerland, another non-NATO nation.
stripes

The Royal Netherlands Air Force's Pilots Will Train On The M-346 Of Italian Air Force

The Royal Netherlands Air Force’s Pilots will train in Italy on M-346 jets in service with the Italian Air Force, thanks to the agreement that has been signed by the Chiefs of Staff of the two Air Forces in Milan last week that envisages the detachment of an instructor and two student pilots of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, to be stationed at ItAF's Lecce-Galatina AFB Flight School.
The instructor and the two students will follow the standard training programmes of the Italian military pilots.
The new training programme, recently reconfigured to catch up with operational and technological advances, thanks to the entry in service of the new M-346 trainers , is evaluated with great interest by several air forces that plan to operate new-generation aircraft.
aleniaaermacchi

Netherlands, Norway, Poland to jointly issue A330 MRTT RfP

The Netherlands, Norway, and Poland will send a request for proposal (RfP) to Airbus to buy A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT).
The Netherlands, Norway, and Poland will form the launch nations for jointly purchasing three to four MRTTs for delivery starting in May 2019, with an option for up to eight. Forward-operating bases will be set up in Norway and Poland.
janes

USAF A-10s train with allies in Romania; F-15s in Netherlands

U.S. Air Force aircraft are training with Romania, The Netherlands and other allied nations.
More U.S. airmen and aircraft are in Europe for the next few months as part of a theater security package in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, a show of force in the region amid Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
Currently at Campia Turzii, Romania, about 300 airmen and support equipment are deployed with 12 A-10s.
Twelve F-15s, which arrived at The Netherland's Leeuwarden Air Base this month, will head to Bulgaria next.
airforcetimes

Netherlands Sign Deal To Buy Eight F-35 JSF

The Netherlands has confirmed its decision to purchase eight F-35 that will arrive in the country in 2019. The deal was signed in Washington DC.
In 2013 the Netherlands decided to replace the F-16’s with F-35. The Netherlands intends to buy at least 37 F-35. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding this deal, with questions asked about whether Defense’s plan with the JSF’s is feasible.
nltimes