KLM and Ministry of Defence further strengthen cooperation

One year after signing a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation on the ground and in the air, KLM and the Ministry of Defence are taking new steps in their strategic partnership. The collaboration stems from the agreement signed in 2025, aimed at leveraging knowledge, expertise and capacity to strengthen the resilience of the Netherlands.

Recent developments in the partnership were discussed today during a working visit by State Secretary for Defence Derk Boswijk to KLM at Schiphol-East.

Six KLM pilots to serve as reservists with Defence
A key milestone in the partnership is the deployment of six KLM pilots as reservists with the Ministry of Defence, where they will serve as F-35 pilots in the Royal Netherlands Air Force. This fulfils last year’s agreement to offer KLM pilots the opportunity to actively contribute to military aviation.

The pilots will be given the flexibility to apply their knowledge and experience as reservists while continuing their careers in commercial aviation. This collaboration helps retain valuable aviation expertise within the Netherlands and further strengthens the connection between civil and military aviation.

In addition to the six reservists, one KLM pilot will be seconded to Texas from September for a four-year period as an instructor, training future fighter pilots.

A year ago, we expressed our ambition for KLM to make an additional contribution to the resilience of the Netherlands. Over the past year, we have taken concrete steps towards that goal, including the deployment of six of our pilots as reservists. Our cooperation with the Ministry of Defence provides our colleagues with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and experience more broadly. We are also exploring additional ways to support Defence.

For the resilience of our country, cooperation between Defence and civilian partners is essential. The deployment of KLM pilots as reservists demonstrates how military capabilities can be strengthened while retaining highly skilled pilots in commercial aviation. Together with industry, we are building a safer, stronger and more innovative future for the Netherlands.

Exploring cooperation on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
KLM and the Ministry of Defence are also exploring opportunities to collaborate on alternative aviation fuels, specifically Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Particular focus is being placed on the development and application of e-SAF (synthetic sustainable aviation fuel), a key technology for further decarbonising aviation and strengthening the strategic energy independence of the Netherlands and Europe.

Both organisations see opportunities to combine their knowledge, expertise and networks to support the development and deployment of these fuels.

Innovation
Through the HYPERION project, the Ministry of Defence and KLM Engineering & Maintenance are working together on solutions to make aircraft maintenance more efficient and sustainable. This includes further digitalisation and the application of data-driven maintenance.

Secure and transparent information exchange improves component availability, shortens turnaround times and increases operational readiness. Through this project, KLM and Defence are developing a new model for collaboration in aircraft maintenance, further strengthening the Netherlands’ leading position in this field.

Last month, KLM and the Ministry of Defence also announced that seven KLM engineers will begin training with the Royal Netherlands Air Force in September.