Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force F-35s train at Schiphol

On Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 January, the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force will be conducting training with four F-35 fighter jets and a transport aircraft at Schiphol. During this training, the air force will practice how military flight operations can be carried out safely and responsibly from a civil airport. It is important for the Ministry of Defence, Schiphol, partners and society to be prepared for a possible crisis or conflict so that vital processes can continue to function, even when circumstances change. The exercise is temporary in nature; there is no permanent deployment of military aircraft at Schiphol.

Schiphol has been connecting the Netherlands with the world for more than a century. Because Schiphol plays an important role in the accessibility of the Netherlands, it is important that this infrastructure remains strong and resilient, also in times of crisis and conflict. That is why Schiphol is working with the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force to create an environment that is prepared for various scenarios, without compromising on safety or quality. The training has been carefully planned and integrated into the airport’s daily operations so that regular air traffic can continue as usual.

Why this training is important
It is essential for the Ministry of Defence that military aircraft are not solely dependent on fixed military air bases. By also being able to operate from other locations such as Schiphol, the air force remains deployable whenever the situation requires it. In addition to the F-35s, one transport and tanker aircraft from the Multinational MRTT Unit (MMU) will participate in the exercise. This unit provides air transport and in-flight refuelling for aircraft within NATO. The training consists of several planned departure and arrival times, which will take place during the day on 27 and 28 January. After departure, the aircraft will fly on to regular training areas used by the Ministry of Defence.

Impact on local environment
The exercise is being conducted in close coordination between the Ministry of Defence and Schiphol, in cooperation with Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL) and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (I&W). The surrounding municipalities and relevant societal and administrative parties have been informed in advance. The exercise has been carefully prepared and will be carried out in a controlled manner. The noise caused by the aircraft movements may be noticeable in the surrounding area, but this is temporary and will only occur within the context of this training exercise. Safety and consideration for our local environment and community are top priorities.

We continue to build a strong, connected and future-proof Netherlands. By practising together with the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force, we reinforce our joint capacity to continue operating safely and reliably under a variety of circumstances.