The Netherlands has confirmed that some of its F-35 fighter jets will join their counterparts from Norway to support a NATO command.
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The Dutch Ministry of Defence said that the aircraft will support NATO’s peacekeeping operations under Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. The fighter jets will be based in Poland from September to December.
In a letter to the Dutch parliament, Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans disclosed that the F35s will be under direct NATO command following a transfer of authority throughout the deployment. The Dutch and Norwegian fighter jets will be a combined detachment, functioning as a quick-reaction alert force on a 24-hour basis.
According to the minister, the F-35s flying above Eastern Europe will contribute to airspace monitoring efforts and ensuring that Ukraine receives the military equipment the nation needs. “It is essential that we contribute to the defense of NATO territory and the security of Europe,” he said. “We are once again doing so with our most advanced capabilities.”
The F-35 deployment follows a February 2024 commitment from the Netherlands, Germany and Poland to closely collaborate in deploying troops and weapons on Europe’s eastern flank amid threats coming from Russia.