The Netherlands will deploy fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets to Poland to help protect military supply routes to Ukraine, the Dutch Ministry of Defense said.
From September 1 to December 1, Dutch F-35s will patrol NATO airspace over Eastern Europe. Norwegian F-35s will also take part in the mission.
The deployment is part of NATO’s rapid response alert posture, under which the aircraft remain on standby to respond to potential airspace violations.
The move follows a request from NATO’s Supreme Allied Command Europe (SHAPE).
“By deploying these Dutch F-35s to protect the airspace over Eastern Europe, we are protecting military equipment intended for Ukraine,” said Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans.
Poland, meanwhile, is still in the early stages of operating its own F-35 fleet. On May 10, Warsaw reported that its first pilots had completed training on the F-35A Lightning II at Ebbing Air Base in the United States.
The first two pilots began hands-on training in January 2025 after completing simulator and classroom courses at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The second group started practical training in April, when a third Polish pilot conducted his first F-35A flight.
