News item | 21-02-2025 | 16:45
The Netherlands carries out of 2 unarming from Romania MQ-9 Reapers Another year to the defense of NATO-East flank. The unmanned aircraft are used to collect information. A third device is brought to the Netherlands. This creates more room for national activities. Minister Ruben Brekelmans writes that to the Lower House.
The use of 2 MQ-9 Reaper Aircraft and Air Force personnel lasts due to the extension until March 31, 2026. They help in Romania with so -called Air Shielding-Operations. The aim is to keep an eye on the situation on the border of the NATO treaty area.
The unmanned aircraft collect data and information from the air. With sensors, the system helps to build a good situational image.
Information
The deployment is a direct support from NATO, but takes place under national responsibility. NATO shares its information needs with the Netherlands. That then decides for yourself what needs it fills in and how that happens. The processing of the information also remains a national responsibility.
About 120 employees are involved in the deployment. Around 35 soldiers maintain and monitor the aircraft at Campia Turzii Air Force Base in Romania. The majority of the detachment performs the tasks at Leeuwarden Air Base. That consist of planning the mission, managing the MQ-9 and the processing of the intelligence products.