Netherlands to increase F-35 order and double MQ-9 fleet
The RNLAF is now expected to operate a fleet of 52 F-35A fighter jets. (Photo: Netherlands Ministry of Defence)
Additional fighter jets and MALE UAVs are to be procured by the Netherlands.
The Netherlands MoD has committed to purchasing six additional Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jets and four more General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) MQ-9 Reaper MALE UAVs, according to the country's latest Defence Paper.
The plan means a total of 52 F-35s are to be acquired overall (enough to equip three squadrons), while the MQ-9 fleet will double in size to eight aircraft.
'The entire F-35 fleet will be expanded to include modern long-range and precision weapons, enabling strategic targets such as integrated air defence systems to be seized [countered] in an increased threat environment,' according to a translated version of the Defence Paper.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Farnborough Airshow 2022 News (FIA 2022)
-
![Farnborough 2022: MBDA outlines vision for Tempest Weapon Effects Management System]()
Farnborough 2022: MBDA outlines vision for Tempest Weapon Effects Management System
Last week saw big announcements by Team Tempest and MBDA was eager to talk about their own progress at the Farnborough International Airshow.
-
![Farnborough 2022: PBS confirms four customers for its new turbojet engine]()
Farnborough 2022: PBS confirms four customers for its new turbojet engine
Shephard met PBS Velka Bites at the Farnborough International Airshow to discuss the unveiling of its new turbojet engine and future developments.
-
![Farnborough 2022: Live exercises to move virtual very soon, says BAE Systems]()
Farnborough 2022: Live exercises to move virtual very soon, says BAE Systems
VRAI joins BAE Systems to further develop a single synthetic environment for multi-domain training in a virtual environment.
-
![Farnborough 2022: Mexican aerospace bounces back after COVID-19 but military aviation procurement remains sluggish]()
Farnborough 2022: Mexican aerospace bounces back after COVID-19 but military aviation procurement remains sluggish
Following a damaging period of decreased exports amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mexican aerospace industry has begun to bounce back with a particular focus on UAV procurement.
-
![Farnborough 2022: Babcock partners with Rafael for UK land ground-based air defence programme]()
Farnborough 2022: Babcock partners with Rafael for UK land ground-based air defence programme
Babcock and Rafael have joined forces to provide C2 solutions for a GBAD programme in the UK.
-
![Farnborough 2022: L3Harris reaffirms focus on optimising UK C4ISR]()
Farnborough 2022: L3Harris reaffirms focus on optimising UK C4ISR
The aerospace and defence technology provider is ready to support the UK land, air and naval forces with communication and digitisation technologies in the coming years.
