AviationNews – Royal Netherlands Air Force Enhances Readiness in United States
The Royal Netherlands Air Force has deployed a contingent of F-35A Lightning II fighter jets to the United States to participate in elite combat simulations. This strategic deployment aims to sharpen the tactical skills of Dutch pilots alongside their American counterparts in preparation for high-threat global environments.
Operating throughout March 2026 from Hill Air Force Base in Utah, the Dutch personnel participated in Exercise Lightning Forge. The mission focused on executing complex sorties within the Utah Test and Training Range, a sprawling facility designed to simulate heavily contested airspace. This selection of location allows the 313th Squadron to access infrastructure and threat simulations that are currently unavailable within the limited geography of the Netherlands.
During the training, crews maintained a grueling operational tempo, launching two daily sorties using a combination of live and inert munitions. These drills test the long-term endurance of both the aviators and the ground maintenance teams under sustained pressure. By utilizing advanced American training ranges, pilots can refine their suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) tactics and practice maneuvering against sophisticated electronic and physical threats in a realistic theater.
“The training complex here provides an excellent representation of the threat systems we are primarily designed to operate against,” explained Lieutenant Colonel Swinger, commander of the 313th Squadron. He emphasized that the intensity of the “steep learning curve” is vital for building the confidence of less experienced pilots, ensuring they are prepared for large-scale combat operations.
Looking ahead, this deployment signifies a deepening of NATO interoperability and a commitment to maintaining a frontline deterrent. As the Netherlands continues to transition its fleet to the F-35, these high-intensity exercises will likely become a cornerstone of their operational certification process.
The successful completion of Exercise Lightning Forge ensures that Dutch aircrews return home with significantly enhanced technical proficiency and platform confidence. By mastering the complexities of a contested environment in Utah, the Royal Netherlands Air Force reinforces its status as a highly capable and ready partner for future international security missions.
