Netherlands to buy 15 more F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters.

On 14 December, The Netherlands pledged to buy more F-35 fighter jets and strengthen its special forces and cyber capabilities. "Extra investment in defense is a necessity because our surrounding safety zone has become a more instable place," the Defense Ministry said. "There are more threats to contend with and threats have become more complex," it. The F-35A comes with a current price tag of $89.2 million (78.9 million euros), according to Lockheed Martin.

Lockheed Martin F-35A "Lightning II" (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)

The Netherlands will buy 15 more Lockheed Martin F-35A stealth fighter jets, Defense Minister Ank Bijleveld told the ANP news agency. The Dutch have already purchased 37 F-35As, which are expected to become operational next year. The number is enough for two squadrons, but NATO has insisted on a third one.