The history of the F-35 in the Netherlands began with partaking in the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) project in 2000. The final dicision to aquire the F-35 was made in 2013. In 2016 the first F-35s came to the Netherlands for theatre testing. The first permanantly stationed F-35 came in 2019 and went to Leeuwarden AFB. This was the point at which the RNLAF transitioned from the F-16 to the F-35. At the end of 2021 the RNLAF F-35 achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) and on July 1, 2022 the first Panthers arrived at Volkel AFB.
Photos RNLAF AVG
On July 1, 2022 the first F-35 destined for 313 Sqn lands at Volkel AFB
With a traditional welcome shower by the base Fire and Rescue Dept.
March 7, 2025, the first F-35 for 312 Sqn
The first time a dragchute is deployed at Volkel AFB by an F-35.
The dragchute is contained in a pod on top of the aircraft.
September 2025, guarding the eastern borders of the alliance.