Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35 jets reach Full Operational Capability
It has been announced that the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s (RNLAF) F-35 Lightning II fighter jets have reached Full Operational Capability (FOC).
The fighters are now capable of performing a range of critical defense missions, from airspace monitoring to counterterrorism operations, and even contributing to NATO’s nuclear deterrent strategy.
“The F-35 enables us to deliver critical, long-range military effects at a moment’s notice,” Commander of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, Lieutenant General Dennis Luyt, emphasized. “This is a game changer for the Dutch Armed Forces.”
The status change coincides with the retirement of the RNLAF F-16 fighter fleet, as marked by a ceremony on September 27, 2024.
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The RNLAF received the first F-35 on October 31, 2019. It now operates a fleet of 40 aircraft, with 12 more on order, and has plans to acquire six additional fighters.
The F-35’s advanced capabilities represent a major upgrade over the F-16, the backbone of Dutch air operations for 45 years. On March 29, 2024, Dutch F-35s assumed Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) responsibilities from the F-16 fleet.
The Netherlands has committed to transferring 24 of its F-16s to Ukraine. The initial group of fighter jets was transported in late July 2024, and several of these aircraft have already been utilized in Ukraine’s efforts to defend against Russian airstrikes. The post Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35 jets reach Full Operational Capability appeared first on AeroTime.
It has been announced that the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s (RNLAF) F-35 Lightning II fighter jets have reached…
The post Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35 jets reach Full Operational Capability appeared first on AeroTime.
