LEEUWARDEN— The Royal Netherlands Air Force and the Royal Danish Air Force have extended their long defense partnership from the F-16 to the fifth-generation F-35 fighter.
Dutch F-35 pilots trained with Scandinavian counterparts in their own airspace last week, with Denmark supplying F-35s and dropping practice targets from a C-130 transport aircraft.
The joint flying took place during the Weapons Instructor Course (WIC) run at Leeuwarden Air Base (LWR) in the Netherlands. The exercise let Dutch crews rehearse procedures and weapons deployment while strengthening cooperation among European NATO members based at and around Leeuwarden (LWR).
Photo: United States Armed Forces
Netherlands and Denmark Build on F-16 Ties
The Netherlands and Denmark previously worked together intensively on the F-16. That cooperation now continues with the F-35.
During last week’s training, Danish support with F-35s and air-dropped practice targets from a C-130 allowed Dutch pilots to practice their procedures and deployment in a realistic setting.
The shared history between the two air forces gives both sides a common operating base. Moving the partnership to the F-35 lets crews apply established habits to a modern platform while learning how to operate it together.
Photo: Tech. Sgt. Timothy Boyer | Wikimedia Commons
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Norwegian_F-35_Lightning_II.jpg
Why the WIC Matters for NATO Defense
The WIC shows how important cooperation between European NATO countries is for the defense of the treaty area. During the training, personnel learn how various weapon systems and operational services can work together effectively.
Participants are also trained to become tactical leaders at the highest level. By training jointly and deploying modern systems such as the F-35, NATO countries increase their striking power and readiness.
Twenty-five Air Force personnel from Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway are taking part in the WIC. The course involves not only pilots but also officers and non-commissioned officers from other operational services.
The training lasts six months. The Weapons School of the 323 Air Combat Development Centre at Leeuwarden Air Base provides the course. This centre serves as the European knowledge centre for tactical operations.
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