The Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force will carry out a short training exercise at Schiphol Airport on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 January, involving four F-35 fighter jets and one military transport and tanker aircraft. The exercise is designed to test how military flight operations can be conducted safely and responsibly from a major civilian airport. There is no permanent military deployment planned at Schiphol.
The training reflects the importance of ensuring that critical national infrastructure, such as Schiphol, remains operational and resilient in times of crisis or conflict. By practising operations away from fixed military bases, the Ministry of Defence aims to maintain flexibility and deployability when circumstances require it. Alongside the F-35s, an aircraft from the NATO Multinational MRTT Unit will participate, providing transport and air-to-air refuelling capability.
The exercise has been carefully integrated into Schiphol’s daily operations so that regular commercial air traffic can continue as normal. Military aircraft will operate during daytime hours only and will proceed to established defence training areas after departing Schiphol.
Local authorities and relevant stakeholders have been informed in advance. While residents may notice some temporary additional noise, the activity is limited in scope and duration. Safety, coordination and consideration for the surrounding community remain central to the exercise, which is being conducted in close cooperation with Schiphol, air traffic control and national authorities.