The Netherlands MoD has announced Dutch F-35 fighter jets will monitor NATO airspace over Eastern Europe from September to December.
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Press Release, The Hague, 07 July 2025: [auto-translated] Military equipment donated by NATO countries to Ukraine must safely reach its destination. For that purpose, Dutch F-35 fighter jets will monitor NATO airspace over Eastern Europe from 1 September to 1 December.
The Dutch will operate together with a Norwegian F-35 airpower detachment. The task is consistent with the so-called Quick Reaction Alert. Fighter jets are ready 24 hours a day to respond quickly to possible intruders in NATO airspace.
On request: The Netherlands uses the F-35s at the request of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE). This is the central command centre of NATO in Europe. NATO is sending the fighter jets.
The Dutch F-35s contribute to the deterrence of Russia. “It is essential that we make our contribution to the defence of NATO territory and the security of Europe,” said Minister Brekelmans. “We do this again with our most advanced capabilities. By using these Dutch F-35s to monitor the airspace over Eastern Europe, we protect military equipment intended for Ukraine. We can also respond quickly to (imminent) violations of NATO airspace. In this way, we literally keep the Russian threat at bay. Estonia has also recently shown that the use of our F-35s is very effective.”
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