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Royal Netherlands Air Force

Latest in Royal Netherlands Air Force

The first two American F-35A Lightning II fighter jets land in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands, on May 23, 2016. The F-35 program is an international effort where the United States works with eight other partner nations, including the Netherlands, to design and develop the F-35.
Air

Dutch F-35s Provide Targeting For Rocket Artillery

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 11, 2025

Dutch frigate fires Tomahawk
Air

Tomahawk Cruise Missile Fired By Dutch Navy Frigate For First Time

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Mar 12, 2025

NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) has confirmed to TWZ that four Dutch F-35A stealth fighters are now also participating in Baltic Sentry, a mission intended, among other things, to ensure the security of critical undersea infrastructure in the region. The jets were already in the region as part of the alliance’s Baltic Air Policing mission.
Air

F-35s Now Helping Prevent Baltic Seafloor Cable Sabotage

By Thomas Newdick, Howard Altman

Updated on Jan 22, 2025

After almost 45 years of service, including multiple combat deployments, the F-16 was formally retired today by the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF). At the same time, the service announced that the F-35A had attained full operational capability, with the stealth fighter now responsible for the full spectrum of missions previously handled by the Viper, including nuclear strike.
Air

The Last Viper Commander: Dutch Squadron Boss On Today’s Retirement Of The F-16

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Sep 27, 2024

A U.S. B-2A Spirit bomber assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing and a Royal Netherlands air force F-35A conduct aerial operations in support of Bomber Task Force Europe 20-2 over the North Sea March 18, 2020. Bomber missions provide opportunities to train and work with NATO allies and theater partners in combined and joint operations and exercises.
Air

Dutch F-35s Take On A Full Nuclear Role

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 31, 2024

F-35 drops B61-12 during a test at Edwards AFB
Air

Dutch F-35s Gain Nuclear Strike Mission “Initial Certification”

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 10, 2023

Five Dutch F-16s are on their way to Romania. Romanian and Ukrainian pilots are being trained there.
News & Features

Ukraine Situation Report: Dutch F-16s For Ukrainian Training Arrive In Romania

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 7, 2023

Draken Becomes The Next Red Air Private Contractor To Acquire F-16 Fighter Jets
Air

Draken Becomes The Next Red Air Private Contractor To Acquire F-16 Fighter Jets

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Jul 1, 2021

This Photo Of An F-16 High Over Arizona At Sunset Is Mind Blowingingly Stunning
News & Features

This Photo Of An F-16 High Over Arizona At Sunset Is Mind Blowingingly Stunning

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Nov 22, 2019

Whoops! First F-35A Based In The Netherlands Got A Foam Bath By Mistake
News & Features

Whoops! First F-35A Based In The Netherlands Got A Foam Bath By Mistake

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Oct 31, 2019

Watch F-35s Do A Spectacular Low-Level Flyby Over Photographers At Star Wars Canyon
Air

Watch F-35s Do A Spectacular Low-Level Flyby Over Photographers At Star Wars Canyon

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Jul 16, 2019

Ride Along In The Cockpit With This Apache Pilot For His Final Flight
News & Features

Ride Along In The Cockpit With This Apache Pilot For His Final Flight

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Aug 13, 2016