Dutch air defence enters new era with F-35s taking over Benelux airspace patrol

By Defence Industry Europe

Since 1981, Dutch F-16 fighter jets have been on permanent standby for the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) mission, safeguarding the airspace of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. This longstanding duty came to an end on March 29, 2024, as two Dutch F-35s have officially taken over the responsibility of monitoring the Benelux airspace.

 

The QRA mission requires two fighter jets to be ready at all times, capable of taking off within minutes to intercept unidentified aircraft. The Netherlands and Belgium have alternated these duties every few months. Belgium is set to resume the role on May 9.

 

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Until then, Dutch F-35s will carry the mantle of QRA duties, marking a new phase towards the retirement of the F-16 fleet, which the defense has been gradually phasing out. A final ‘scramble’ exercise was conducted at Vliegbasis Volkel, with two F-16s acting as mock adversaries.

 

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Pilots transitioning to the F-35s will notice little change in their operational readiness. “The baseline remains the same,” says Major Nick, deputy head of operations at the squadron. The F-35 offers a more modern platform with longer flight capability and enhanced sensors, providing a robust response to potential threats.

 

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In the Netherlands, the Air Operations Control Station in Nieuw Milligen oversees the QRA, dispatching jets to intercept any aircraft failing to establish radio contact. F-35s are stationed at Leeuwarden and Volkel air bases, ready to address airspace violations in the Benelux, a core mission of the air force.

Belgium conducts its QRA operations under the aegis of the Control and Reporting Centre in Beauvechain, with coordination across Europe for timely response to potential incursions. Belgian fighter jets operate out of Kleine-Brogel and Florennes, continuing the collaborative defense effort within the Benelux region.

 

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