Dutch F-35A fighters conduct training in Estonia to enhance NATO readiness

The exercise provided valuable experience for both Dutch and Estonian personnel. Estonian ground crews, who do not normally work with the F-35, were trained in handling, refuelling, and maintaining the advanced fighter jets.

Since late last year, the Royal Netherlands Air Force has stationed four F-35s in Estonia as part of NATO’s mission to deter Russian air activity near the alliance’s eastern flank. The latest training operation saw an additional four F-35s fly in from Leeuwarden Air Base in the Netherlands to join the exercise.

“This kind of training is essential,” said a Dutch Air Force spokesperson. “It ensures that if we ever need to deploy our F-35s from a foreign base in a real scenario, we are fully prepared to operate effectively alongside our allies.”

The ability to coordinate seamlessly with partner nations is a crucial aspect of NATO’s defence strategy. In the event of a security crisis, Dutch fighter jets could be rapidly deployed from various locations to strengthen the alliance’s collective response.