The deployment of the fighter planes at 10.20 am was a so-called Quick Reaction Alert. According to the Ministry of Defense, this was deployed by air combat control, which observed an unknown object on radar. The object flew at an altitude in Dutch airspace where identification and communication with air traffic control is mandatory, which did not happen.
The use of a Quick Reaction Alert does not occur often. According to Defense, Sunday’s incident “demonstrates the importance of rapid deployment.” F-35s are on standby 24 hours a day to intercept an unidentified aircraft. The Netherlands and Belgium will alternately take on this task for a few months throughout the Benelux.