Dutch F-35s to attempt Schiphol-area flights next week; More night drills announced
The Dutch Air Force is conducting two F-35 training exercises this month to prepare pilots for both nighttime operations and flights from the civilian Schiphol Airport, the Ministry of Defense reported.
On Tuesday, January 27, and Wednesday, January 28, the air force will carry out training at Schiphol with four F-35s and a transport aircraft. The purpose of the exercise is to evaluate the safety and practicality of conducting military flight operations from a civilian airport. Officials stressed that the exercise is temporary and that there is no permanent deployment of military aircraft at Schiphol.
Defense officials said, “It is important for the Ministry of Defense, Schiphol, partners, and society to be prepared for a possible crisis or conflict so that vital processes can continue to function, even when circumstances change.”
Separately, from Monday, January 19, until Thursday, January 22, F-35s will fly after dark from the military air bases at Leeuwarden and Volkel, with flights continuing until 11:00 p.m., except on Fridays, when exercises occur only during the day. The training focuses on "defending NATO territory under low-light conditions" and includes both sea and land operations. The military will most frequently use the training areas above Friesland, Drenthe, Overijssel, and Noord-Brabant.
Nighttime exercises are "necessary to optimally prepare pilots and ground personnel for their tasks worldwide," according to the Defense Ministry. A second series of nighttime exercises is planned from Monday, February 2, through Thursday, February 5.
All operations are coordinated with Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL) and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. We have informed municipalities and relevant societal and administrative parties in advance. While aircraft noise may be noticeable locally, the ministry said the exercises have been "carefully prepared" and will be carried out in a controlled manner, with safety and environmental considerations prioritized.
In addition to F-35s, a transport and tanker aircraft from the Multinational MRTT Unit, which provides air transport and in-flight refueling for NATO aircraft, will participate. Aircraft will follow scheduled departure and arrival times before flying to regular military training areas.
