News item | 14-02-2025 | 12:53
“It is very impressive to see what the F-35 can do.” King Willem-Alexander said that yesterday when visiting Dutch troops to ämari in Estonia. In addition to a detachment of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, 4 Dutch F-35 combat aircraft were stationed at this airbase.
Air policing
The 4 Dutch F-35 combat aircraft monitor the airspace on the eastern border of the NATO treaty area. Around 90 to 150 soldiers from the Royal Netherlands Air Force are part of NATO Enhanced Air Policing Mission in the Baltic State.
The king underlined why the armed forces is present in Estonia. “The people in this country understand what the angry neighbor (referring to Russia ed.) Can. They have been part of the Soviet Union for a long time and are now free. As a NATO ally, Estonia feels protected by us. “
The king was told, among other things, the goal and importance of the Dutch commitment. Furthermore, some soldiers explained the king and his company about the fighter plane. That happened at the shelter where the F-35s are. To get a good picture, he herself climbed in one of the F-35s. Finally, the king attended an exercise and spoke with a few detachment members.
Quick Reaction Alert
From December 2024 to March this year, the Netherlands contributes to the mission in Estonia. The F-35s monitor the border of the NATO treaty area. This also includes the ‘Quick Reaction Alert’. This is activated when, for example, a device approaches the NATO air space without identifying. By using F-35s on the Oostflank, the Netherlands contributes to the deterrent of Russia with advanced military capacities.