News item | 29-11-2024 | 2:55 PM
Dutch F-35 fighter planes have just landed at Ämari air base in Estonia. From here, the 4 aircraft will monitor NATO airspace on the eastern border of the NATO treaty area between December 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025. About 90 to 150 soldiers are part of the air force detachment in the Baltic state.
The F-35s monitor NATO airspace above the Baltic States. Also the so-called Quick Response Alert is part of the assignment. For example, 2 F-35s can be in the air within a few minutes to intercept an aircraft. This happens, for example, when an aircraft approaches NATO airspace without identifying itself. National staff Datalink Management Cell ensures that F-35 pilots, other units and allies can exchange information during operations.
Persistent threat
The Netherlands gives one concrete interpretation to the defense of the NATO Alliance by filling a slot in NATO’s rotation schedule. The allies take turns every few months. With the persistent Russian threat, the defense of our own and allied territory is more important than ever.
Deterrence and reassurance
By deploying F-35s on the eastern flank, the Netherlands is contributing to the deterrence of Russia with advanced military capabilities. They also serve to reassure Estonia and surrounding NATO allies. The deployment also benefits the training of our military personnel and cooperation with other countries.
NATO controls the fighter planes directly. The Netherlands transfers the detachment as a whole to the alliance.