Netherlands retires F-16 Fighting Falcon fleet

The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) has officially retired its fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons, ending 45 years of service for the aircraft in the force. The final flight took place on September 27, 2024, with a formation of F-16s departing from Volkel Air Base for a farewell tour over key locations across the Netherlands, including Leeuwarden, Woensdrecht, Gilze-Rijen, and Eindhoven airfields. One of the jets in the formation, s/n J-197, was adorned with special markings celebrating the fighter’s 45-year