KLM and the Dutch Ministry of Defence have expanded their strategic partnership one year after signing a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening the Netherlands’ resilience through closer civil-military cooperation.
A key development is the deployment of six KLM pilots as reservists with the Royal Netherlands Air Force, where they will fly the F-35 while continuing their commercial careers with KLM. In addition, one KLM pilot will be seconded to Texas for four years from September to serve as an instructor for future fighter pilots.
The two organisations are also exploring cooperation on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with a particular focus on e-SAF, to support aviation decarbonisation and improve the strategic energy independence of the Netherlands and Europe.
The partnership also includes joint innovation projects. Through the HYPERION programme, KLM Engineering & Maintenance and the Ministry of Defence are developing digital, data-driven aircraft maintenance solutions to improve efficiency, component availability and operational readiness. The announcement follows last month’s confirmation that seven KLM engineers will begin training with the Royal Netherlands Air Force in September.