160224-F-ZZ999-461.jpg

The Royal Netherlands Air Force’s (RNLAF) F-35A Lightning II aircraft is set to undertake environmental compatibility trials in May or June this year.

The trials will involve several low-altitude circuits, take-offs, and landings at both Leeuwarden Air Base and Volkel Air Base.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Go deeper with GlobalData

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

During the scheduled trials, an F-16 aircraft will fly alongside the F-35 JSF to provide comparison data on the level of noise generated by the two aircraft.

The RNLAF intends to acquire at least 37 new F-35 fighters to replace the RNLAF’s ageing fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.

The first aircraft was originally scheduled to be delivered and operational with the RNLAF in 2014, but has been postponed to 2019.

The aircraft is expected to begin airfield trials early next year.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData
"The RNLAF intends to acquire at least 37 new F-35 fighters to replace the RNLAF’s ageing fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft."

Currently, a Dutch F-35 unit is undergoing operational test and evaluation at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

Equipped with the latest stealth and intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) technology, the F-35 Lightning II is a single-engine, fifth generation multirole fighter, currently under development to conduct ground attack, reconnaissance, and air defence missions with stealth capability.

The multirole F-35 JSF will be powered by Pratt and Whitney’s F-135 engine and is equipped with an electro-optical targeting system that provides long-range detection and precision targeting.

The JSF programme is principally financed by the US, with additional funding from the UK, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, Norway, Turkey and the Netherlands.

Image: Two Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNAF) F-35A Lightning IIs take off from Edwards AFB. Photo: courtesy of Royal Netherlands Air Force photo.

Airforce Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Airforce Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.


Excellence in Action
Discover how Virtualitics is transforming mission readiness with explainable AI, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision intelligence across the U.S. Department of Defense through its AI-powered Integrated Readiness Optimization suite, for which it has won the Innovation and Business Expansion awards.

Discover the Impact