On Thursday, the Netherlands began using its F-35 fighter jets as part of NATO to patrol the airspace of the Benelux countries, the Alliance's Joint Air Force Command said.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force's two fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets, along with two F-16s, are on standby to protect the airspace over Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg and to perform rapid response missions 24/7. These aircraft will carry out missions to ensure the security of the Benelux airspace, alternating departures from the national air bases of the Netherlands and Belgium. It is important to note that this is the first use of Dutch F-35 fighters in this mission until May 9.
The planes are ready to take off in minutes in accordance with NATO airspace patrol rules, responding to unidentified aircraft or other emergency situations. The operations will be carried out from Leeuwarden Air Base in the Netherlands and the Air Operations Control Center in New Milligen, which is integrated into the NATO air patrol system.
In 2023, the Netherlands already used its F-35s in NATO's enhanced airspace protection missions in Malbork, Poland, and regularly conducts joint exercises with other allies and partners.
