The Netherlands’ Defence Ministry announced that the F-35 would replace the F-16 in the Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) nuclear role within NATO. On behalf of the Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF), the Ministry of Defence of the Netherlands made the announcement that the F-35 would take over the nuclear duty that the F-16 currently holds within NATO. The Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) is getting ready to move on to the next stage of its transition from the F-16 to the F-35. As of the first of June in the year 2024, the stealth aircraft will replace the F-16 in terms of the nuclear role that the Netherlands plays within NATO. Kajsa Ollongren, the Minister of Defence for the Netherlands, has informed the Dutch House of Representatives of the new development. Over many years, the Dutch began the process of transitioning from the F-16 to the F-35 for the nuclear mission in NATO. Over the course of the past few years, the F-35 has been subjected to significant testing and certification for the nuclear role that the Netherlands plays.
Using the F-35 for conventional missions is something that the RNLAF has already started doing. Similar to the F-16s, the Dual-Capable Aircraft F-35 squadron will be housed at Volkel Air Base. This squadron will be responsible for NATO’s ‘Quick’ Interception of Russian Jets.
