Dutch F-35 jets achieve Full Operational Capability | Airlines

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.

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…