Dutch F-35s take off from Schiphol in first civilian-airport training exercise

The Royal Netherlands Air Force is conducting training operations with F-35 fighter jets from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, testing the ability to operate from civilian hubs in case of crisis or conflict.

Four F-35s, supported by a NATO tanker and transport aircraft, are carrying out sorties over the North Sea before returning to Schiphol for refuelling and reloading practice armaments, Caliber.Az reports via the Dutch Ministry of Defence.

Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Smaal, detachment commander, said the exercise, named Avatar, is designed to maximise operational flexibility.

“We want to ensure we can operate even if our military bases are inaccessible. Working with civilian partners helps us understand each other’s procedures and test deployment from a commercial airport,” he explained.

Operating from a busy international airport requires careful coordination, officials said, adding that normal flight operations for passengers will continue with minimal disruption, although locals may notice temporary jet noise.

The exercise involves close cooperation with Schiphol, air traffic controllers, the Ministry of Infrastructure, local authorities, and the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee.

Major General Robert Adang, deputy commander of the Air Force, emphasised the strategic value of the training. “In a crisis, we may need to rotate between airports to remain unpredictable. Civilian hubs like Schiphol could play a key role as logistical centres.”

State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman said the exercise highlights the importance of civil-military collaboration. “A resilient society relies on cooperation between the military and civilian partners. This exercise shows Amsterdam is contributing to national defence readiness.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev