Dutch F-35s Train to Intercept Drones with AIM-9 Sidewinder Missiles Over Baltic Sea
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Two Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) F-35 fighter jets conducted a training exercise over the Baltic Sea on 5 March 2025, successfully engaging multiple target drones using AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Organized in cooperation with Estonia, this exercise aimed to enhance operational readiness for counter-drone missions, a growing priority in modern conflicts. By allowing pilots to refine their interception and neutralization tactics against aerial threats, the training contributes directly to improving response capabilities against unmanned systems, whose use is increasing in contemporary operations.
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The ability to intercept drones effectively has become a critical component of the Netherlands’ F-35 missions within NATO, particularly in air policing operations to secure allied airspace from potential intrusions. (Picture source: Dutch MoD)
Estonia provided the target drones, enabling Dutch pilots to simulate realistic scenarios involving the simultaneous engagement of multiple aerial threats. The ability to intercept drones effectively has become a critical component of the Netherlands’ F-35 missions within NATO, particularly in air policing operations to secure allied airspace from potential intrusions. These live-training scenarios help pilots develop essential skills for real-world engagements, ensuring greater adaptability to evolving security challenges.
The Netherlands integrated the F-35A Lightning II into its air force as part of a broad modernization program, replacing aging F-16s. The RNLAF plans to acquire 52 F-35A aircraft, with several already in operational service. Designed for air superiority, precision strikes, and reconnaissance, these aircraft play a key role in surveillance, deterrence, and power projection, particularly within NATO operations.
The F-35A Lightning II is a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter developed by Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Air Force and international partners. These variant features advanced stealth, sensor fusion, and network-centric capabilities, making it a key asset in modern warfare. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engine, it reaches speeds of Mach 1.6. Equipped with AN/APG-81 AESA radar, Distributed Aperture System (DAS), and Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), it provides enhanced situational awareness, enabling engagements beyond visual range and effective operations in contested environments. The secure data link system improves interoperability with allied forces, facilitating real-time information sharing for joint operations.
In terms of armament, the F-35A maintains stealth by carrying AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X Sidewinder, GBU-31 JDAM and GBU-39 SDB precision-guided bombs in its internal weapons bay. Its M61A2 Vulcan 20mm cannon enables close-range engagements and close air support (CAS) missions. For missions requiring increased firepower, it can carry up to six external weapons, though at the cost of reduced stealth. Its advanced electronic warfare system allows it to disrupt and jam enemy radars, while its countermeasure systems enhance survivability against modern threats. The next-generation cockpit and Helmet-Mounted Display System (HMDS) provides pilots with an optimized interface, displaying essential combat data directly on the helmet visor to enhance situational awareness and engagement efficiency.
The AIM-9X Sidewinder, used during the Baltic Sea exercise, is a short-range infrared-guided air-to-air missile designed for precise target engagement. It is also adaptable for surface-launch missions, particularly within the NASAMS system, where it contributes to short-range air defense against evolving aerial threats.
The importance of this training was underscored by recent operations in Poland, where Dutch F-35s assisted in securing airspace following a large-scale Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine. This event highlighted the growing role of counter-drone defense in regional security and the need for allied forces to enhance their ability to counter asymmetric aerial threats.
Since late 2023, the RNLAF has deployed four F-35A jets in Estonia as part of NATO’s air policing mission. So far, these aircraft have conducted ten interception missions, identifying eighteen Russian aircraft near NATO airspace. These operations demonstrate the Netherlands’ commitment to monitoring and protecting NATO’s eastern flank, particularly in the context of heightened tensions with Russia.
The Baltic Sea is a strategically significant region for Nordic countries and Europe, especially amid ongoing tensions with Russia. A key hub for trade and energy transit, it hosts critical infrastructure, including the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines, which connect Russia directly to Europe. However, this energy dependency has exposed the continent to security vulnerabilities, exacerbated by political tensions and sabotage incidents, such as those targeting these pipelines. Additionally, the security of underwater infrastructure has become a growing concern, as seen in the damage to the EstLink 2 cable, which connects Finland and Estonia, raising alarm over the protection of subsea communication and energy networks.
In response to these challenges, Nordic and Baltic countries have been strengthening their defensive posture. The recent accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO has significantly altered the strategic balance in the Baltic Sea, effectively turning the region into a “NATO-controlled zone”, increasing pressure on Russia. Additionally, proposals such as the one from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, advocating for a joint naval force in the Baltic Sea, reflect Europe’s effort to bolster security cooperation. In this context, the Netherlands’ deployment of F-35A jets in Estonia contributes to NATO’s deterrence and defensive strategy, reinforcing the collective effort to counter potential destabilizing actions by Russia in the region.
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Two Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) F-35 fighter jets conducted a training exercise over the Baltic Sea on 5 March 2025, successfully engaging multiple target drones using AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Organized in cooperation with Estonia, this exercise aimed to enhance operational readiness for counter-drone missions, a growing priority in modern conflicts. By allowing pilots to refine their interception and neutralization tactics against aerial threats, the training contributes directly to improving response capabilities against unmanned systems, whose use is increasing in contemporary operations.
The ability to intercept drones effectively has become a critical component of the Netherlands’ F-35 missions within NATO, particularly in air policing operations to secure allied airspace from potential intrusions. (Picture source: Dutch MoD)
Estonia provided the target drones, enabling Dutch pilots to simulate realistic scenarios involving the simultaneous engagement of multiple aerial threats. The ability to intercept drones effectively has become a critical component of the Netherlands’ F-35 missions within NATO, particularly in air policing operations to secure allied airspace from potential intrusions. These live-training scenarios help pilots develop essential skills for real-world engagements, ensuring greater adaptability to evolving security challenges.
The Netherlands integrated the F-35A Lightning II into its air force as part of a broad modernization program, replacing aging F-16s. The RNLAF plans to acquire 52 F-35A aircraft, with several already in operational service. Designed for air superiority, precision strikes, and reconnaissance, these aircraft play a key role in surveillance, deterrence, and power projection, particularly within NATO operations.
The F-35A Lightning II is a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter developed by Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Air Force and international partners. These variant features advanced stealth, sensor fusion, and network-centric capabilities, making it a key asset in modern warfare. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engine, it reaches speeds of Mach 1.6. Equipped with AN/APG-81 AESA radar, Distributed Aperture System (DAS), and Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), it provides enhanced situational awareness, enabling engagements beyond visual range and effective operations in contested environments. The secure data link system improves interoperability with allied forces, facilitating real-time information sharing for joint operations.
In terms of armament, the F-35A maintains stealth by carrying AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X Sidewinder, GBU-31 JDAM and GBU-39 SDB precision-guided bombs in its internal weapons bay. Its M61A2 Vulcan 20mm cannon enables close-range engagements and close air support (CAS) missions. For missions requiring increased firepower, it can carry up to six external weapons, though at the cost of reduced stealth. Its advanced electronic warfare system allows it to disrupt and jam enemy radars, while its countermeasure systems enhance survivability against modern threats. The next-generation cockpit and Helmet-Mounted Display System (HMDS) provides pilots with an optimized interface, displaying essential combat data directly on the helmet visor to enhance situational awareness and engagement efficiency.
The AIM-9X Sidewinder, used during the Baltic Sea exercise, is a short-range infrared-guided air-to-air missile designed for precise target engagement. It is also adaptable for surface-launch missions, particularly within the NASAMS system, where it contributes to short-range air defense against evolving aerial threats.
The importance of this training was underscored by recent operations in Poland, where Dutch F-35s assisted in securing airspace following a large-scale Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine. This event highlighted the growing role of counter-drone defense in regional security and the need for allied forces to enhance their ability to counter asymmetric aerial threats.
Since late 2023, the RNLAF has deployed four F-35A jets in Estonia as part of NATO’s air policing mission. So far, these aircraft have conducted ten interception missions, identifying eighteen Russian aircraft near NATO airspace. These operations demonstrate the Netherlands’ commitment to monitoring and protecting NATO’s eastern flank, particularly in the context of heightened tensions with Russia.
The Baltic Sea is a strategically significant region for Nordic countries and Europe, especially amid ongoing tensions with Russia. A key hub for trade and energy transit, it hosts critical infrastructure, including the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines, which connect Russia directly to Europe. However, this energy dependency has exposed the continent to security vulnerabilities, exacerbated by political tensions and sabotage incidents, such as those targeting these pipelines. Additionally, the security of underwater infrastructure has become a growing concern, as seen in the damage to the EstLink 2 cable, which connects Finland and Estonia, raising alarm over the protection of subsea communication and energy networks.
In response to these challenges, Nordic and Baltic countries have been strengthening their defensive posture. The recent accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO has significantly altered the strategic balance in the Baltic Sea, effectively turning the region into a “NATO-controlled zone”, increasing pressure on Russia. Additionally, proposals such as the one from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, advocating for a joint naval force in the Baltic Sea, reflect Europe’s effort to bolster security cooperation. In this context, the Netherlands’ deployment of F-35A jets in Estonia contributes to NATO’s deterrence and defensive strategy, reinforcing the collective effort to counter potential destabilizing actions by Russia in the region.
