The F-35s departed this morning from Volkel Air Base and will carry out multiple tasks under NATO command. Among these is ensuring that military equipment donated by NATO member states reaches its destination in Ukraine safely, while remaining within NATO treaty territory.
Their mission also includes the so-called quick reaction alert, with the jets on standby 24 hours a day to respond swiftly to unauthorised aircraft or other objects entering NATO airspace. The deployment of the Dutch F-35s follows a request from Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), NATO’s central command in Europe.
The operation forms part of the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), which is responsible for supplying equipment and coordinating the training of Ukrainian troops. From 1 December, the Netherlands will also provide air defence systems to secure NSATU’s logistics hub.
This additional contribution is aimed at protecting the flow of military equipment bound for Ukraine. Another stated objective of the mission is the deterrence of Russia.
Source: Ministry of Defence of the Netherlands.
