Netherlands reaches IOC with F-35

The Netherlands Ministry of Defence and Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) declared initial operational capability (IOC) for its F-35A fleet on December 27.

With this announcement the Netherlands becomes the eighth country and 12th military service to declare IOC for its fleet of F-35s.

F-35A Lightning — **RNLAF F-35A F-002 running the low level in California during the Netherlands test process of reaching IOC.** Josef Campion

Bridget Lauderdale, Lockheed Martin F-35 Programme Vice President and General Manager said: “The declaration of IOC ushers in a new era of air power that gives the RNLAF transformational capabilities. I am proud of the Lockheed Martin team’s commitment to delivering the most effective, survivable and connected fighter to our partners in the Netherlands.”

A total of 24 F-35s have been delivered to the RNLAF and have passed over 9000 flight hours as a force. A total of 55 RNLAF pilots and 262 maintainers dedicates their time to the F-35A. The F-35A is to replace the F-16 in the front line operational role for the Netherlands.