WARSAW, Poland – The Dutch Ministry of Defence has announced that F-35 fighter jets from the Royal Netherlands Air Force landed in Poland today, commencing a three-month deployment to safeguard NATO airspace over Eastern Europe. This strategic move is part of the alliance's ongoing efforts to reinforce its eastern flank amid heightened regional tensions.
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| Photo by Aankomst F-35's |
Starting this Sunday, the Dutch aircraft will operate in tandem with Norwegian F-35s, conducting round-the-clock patrols under the unified command of NATO. The jets departed from Volkel Air Base in the Netherlands this morning, joining support personnel, including maintenance crews, who had arrived earlier in the week. With the arrival of the aircraft, the full Dutch detachment is now in place and ready for operations.
According to Dutch officials, the F-35s are tasked with a multi-faceted mission. A primary objective is to ensure the safe passage of military equipment supplied by NATO countries to Ukraine. Throughout these missions, the advanced fighter jets will strictly remain within the treaty-defined airspace of the NATO alliance.
Another critical responsibility is the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duty. In this role, the jets are maintained on 24/7 standby to rapidly intercept any unauthorized aircraft or objects that violate or approach NATO airspace, serving as a first line of aerial defense.
This deployment was formally requested by NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), which serves as the central command for the alliance's military operations in Europe. NATO will directly command the F-35s as part of the broader NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) program. This initiative not only coordinates the delivery of military aid but also oversees the training of Ukrainian personnel.
As a further contribution to this comprehensive support package, the Netherlands will also provide air defense systems to protect the NSATU's logistics hub, starting December 1st. This measure is aimed at further securing the vital supply lines into Ukraine.
Officials emphasized that the deployment serves as a significant deterrent against Russia. The presence of these fifth-generation stealth fighters in Eastern Europe underscores NATO's unwavering commitment to defending allied territory while ensuring the secure flow of military assistance to Kyiv.
By integrating with the Norwegian F-35 contingent, the mission also showcases the alliance's cohesion and the seamless operational coordination between different NATO air forces in a fast-paced environment. The Dutch Ministry of Defence noted that this collaboration enhances interoperability and guarantees readiness in the event of a crisis.
The Dutch deployment to Poland is the latest in a series of NATO air policing rotations designed to bolster the alliance's eastern flank. For the Netherlands, this action highlights its active contribution to collective defense in a period of increasing geopolitical instability in Europe.
