NATO F-35 Fighters Patrol Benelux Airspace for the First Time

The Netherlands began using its F-35 fighter jets on 25 January as part of NATO's Benelux Air Policing programme.

This was reported by the Joint Air Command of NATO.

Two fifth-generation F-35 fighters of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, along with two F-16s, are on standby to protect the airspace over Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg and are ready to perform rapid response missions around the clock. The aircraft are ready to take off within minutes in accordance with NATO air policing rules to respond to unidentified aircraft or other situations.

The aircraft from the Netherlands and Belgium take turns taking off from their national bases to ensure the security of the Benelux airspace. In particular, the F-35s take off from Leuwarden airbase in the Netherlands, controlled by the air operations control centre in Nieuw Milligen, which is integrated into NATO's air policing system. 

It will be the first time that Dutch fighter jets will carry out this mission with modern F-35 aircraft until 9 May. 

In 2023, the Netherlands deployed its F-35s to NATO's enhanced air policing mission in Malbork, Poland, and the modern fighter jets regularly fly in exercises with other allies and partners.

As The Gaze previously reported, the Netherlands, together with Denmark, announced last year a joint transfer of 42 aircraft for Ukrainian pilots. Subsequently, the Netherlands also contributed to the opening of a pilot training centre in Romania.

After that, Ukrainian pilots were trained, and the Dutch Air Force sent training aircraft to the airbase in Romania.

The total number of F16s is expected to reach 18 aircraft. According to General Onno Eichelsheim, Commander of the Netherlands Armed Forces, the fighter jets were to be delivered to the training centre in Romania by early 2024.