The Netherlands has announced the deployment of fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets to Poland as part of a NATO mission aimed at protecting the supply routes of weapons to Ukraine. The move is part of the Alliance’s Rapid Reaction Alert Program.
From September 1 to December 1, Dutch aircraft will patrol NATO airspace over Eastern Europe, alongside Norwegian jets of the same model. The mission is being carried out at the request of NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).
“By deploying these Dutch F-35s to protect Eastern European airspace, we are safeguarding military equipment bound for Ukraine,” said Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans.
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The aircraft will remain on permanent standby to respond swiftly to any violations of NATO airspace, strengthening air defense in a strategically vital region for supporting Ukraine.
Poland, meanwhile, continues to advance in incorporating F-35s into its air force. In May, the country completed the training of its first two pilots in the United States at Ebbing Air Base, with practical flights beginning in January. In April, a third Polish pilot also completed his first flight in an F-35A Lightning II, as part of an ongoing effort to modernize the Polish Air Force.
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Sources and images: militarnyi.com | defensie.nl. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
