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Dutch F-35s to Patrol Eastern Europe, Shielding Ukraine Aid From Russian Threats
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
Starting September 1, Dutch F-35 fighter jets will begin around-the-clock air patrols over Eastern Europe as part of NATO’s quick reaction alert mission, the Dutch Ministry of Defense announced on July 7.
The deployment will run through December 1 and is aimed at deterring Russian threats and safeguarding the delivery of Western military aid to Ukraine.
Operating under the command of NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), the Netherlands will deploy its fifth-generation F-35s in coordination with a Norwegian Air Force detachment.
The aircraft will patrol NATO airspace continuously, providing rapid-response capability to intercept any potential incursions by hostile aircraft.
“We are doing this again using our most advanced capabilities,” said Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans.
“By deploying these Dutch F-35s to monitor the airspace over Eastern Europe, we are protecting military equipment destined for Ukraine. We can also respond quickly to any (potential) violations of NATO airspace, literally keeping the Russian threat at a distance.”
The Netherlands previously deployed F-35s in Estonia, where the aircraft proved highly effective at countering airspace threats, including Russian planes approaching NATO’s borders. Their presence is intended to serve both as a deterrent and as a guarantee of secure transit corridors for Western arms shipments heading into Ukraine.
The F-35 is a fifth-generation multirole fighter jet developed by Lockheed Martin, known for its stealth, precision weapons capabilities, and resilience in contested airspace. The aircraft’s deployment is seen as a strong signal of NATO’s commitment to collective defense and strategic deterrence.
Norway, which has committed to strengthening NATO’s air and missile defense, will also send F-35s to Poland and the Rzeszów Airport later this fall. According to Norway’s Ministry of Defense, the mission has been carefully planned to preserve national readiness while contributing to NATO’s eastern shield.
Earlier, reports emerged that the final batch of Dutch F-16 fighter jets designated for Ukraine departed the Netherlands.
