The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) is set to take a next step in the transition from the F-16 to the F-35. On 1 June 2024, the advanced fighter aircraft will fully take over the nuclear role of the Netherlands within NATO from the F-16. The Netherlands is one of the NATO Allies that contribute Dual-Capable Aircraft to NATO’s nuclear deterrence and is the first European country transitioning to the F-35 in that context. Netherlands Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren informed the Dutch House of Representatives today regarding the matter ..read more

Military leaders from various partner countries discussed global tensions in Utrecht Last week, military leaders from various partner countries met in Utrecht at the invitation of the Netherlands Chief of Defence, General Onno Eichelsheim ..read more

HNLMS Karel Doorman resumes journey to the Red Sea HNLMS Karel Doorman is once again on its way to the Red Sea to take part in Operation Aspides. The ship was experiencing technical problems with one of its weapons systems; these problems have now been solved. The logistics support and supply ship was delayed by a few days, but is now fully operational again ..read more

Camp Lejeune compensation scheme on account of polluted water An American study has shown that between 1953 and 1988, the water at the American Marine Corps base Camp Lejeune contained toxic substances. The US Government has established a compensation scheme for all of those who were in the camp for more than 30 days and were taken ill as a result.  ..read more

HNLMS Tromp sets sail for India from Red Sea HNLMS Tromp’s deployment in the Red Sea has been completed. Since the end of March, the air defence and command frigate had been patrolling the area to protect merchant vessels against Houthi missile and drone attacks ..read more

HNLMS Karel Doorman heading to the Red Sea HNLMS Karel Doorman has left port in order to join EU operation Aspides in the Red Sea next month. The logistics support and supply ship and its crew of more than 250 will be providing tanker and medical capabilities there ..read more

Last week, Prime Minister Mark Rutte visited Dutch troops in Lithuania, where the Netherlands contributes a force of 270 - 300 military personnel to NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence ..read more

Another military aircraft to the Middle East for airdrops The Netherlands is once again sending a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft to the Middle East, where later this month it will be deployed for lending humanitarian support to Gaza ..read more

Last week, King Willem-Alexander visited Operation Interflex. In this training programme in the United Kingdom, army units, including members of the Royal Netherlands Army, are providing training to Ukrainian military personnel ..read more

Military personnel train for possible responses to attack against NATO member state, as Russia watches on During the international military exercise Nordic Response, which took place last week, the main focus was on conducting training regarding the possible NATO responses to an attack against one of its member states ..read more