Breaking news
Dutch Air Force activates its first F-35A Lightning II Multirole fighter aircraft squadron.
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World
Defense & Security News - Netherlands |
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| Dutch Air Force activates its first F-35A Lightning II Multirole fighter aircraft squadron | |||
Since
Monday November 10 afternoon, the Royal Netherlands Air Force has its
first F-35 squadron. The squadron will operate in the US. The first F-35s
are planned to transfer to bases in the Netherlands from 2019 onwards.
The Dutch military will buy at least 37 aircraft of this type. |
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Dutch F-35A
Lightning II CTOL fighter aircraft |
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During a ceremony
at Eglin Air Force Base in the United States, the flag of 323 Squadron
was handed over to the F-35 unit, symbolising the transfer of command.
Prior to the introduction of the F-35, 323 squadron will be responsible for the Operational Test and Evaluation Phase (OT&E), which will begin at Edwards Air Force Base in California by the end of this year. The squadron will thus lay the foundation for the RNLAF's commissioning of the F-35. "Performing OT&Es is a familiar task for 323 Squadron", said Colonel Bert de Smit, detachment commander at Eglin Air Force Base. "323 was also responsible for the OT&Es of the F-16. Now the squadron has been given the honourable task of preparing the Defence organisation for operations with an extremely versatile fifth-generation jet fighter." |
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