Just days after starting their Baltic Air Policing Missions, stealth F-35A fighter jets of the Royal Netherlands Air Force carried out their first interception of military aircraft belonging to the Russian Armed Forces. According to official reports from various media outlets, the incident, reported today, December 8, involved the Dutch fifth-generation aircraft and a Sukhoi Su-24MR reconnaissance plane of the Russian Navy. Subsequently, a similar event was recorded involving a transport aircraft and a signals intelligence aircraft in the region.
Since early December, a detachment of four F-35A aircraft from the Royal Netherlands Air Force has been stationed at Ämari Air Base, Estonia, to conduct Baltic Air Policing Missions until March 31, 2025. In addition to the stealth aircraft, the Dutch detachment comprises nearly 150 personnel providing support and logistics during operations.
The arrival of the Dutch fighters coincided with the completion of renovation work at Ämari Air Base. Broadly speaking, this project required an investment of €18.5 million funded by NATO and Luxembourg. While no further details were provided, much of the work focused on adapting the facilities to operate fifth-generation fighters and extending the base’s runway.
“We are ready to operate our fifth-generation fighter jets from Ämari Air Base to provide 24/7 air surveillance and to defend ourselves and our Allies,” stated Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Smaal, commander of the Royal Netherlands Air Force detachment. “This deployment aims to secure Baltic airspace and is part of the Netherlands’ efforts to ensure the safety of our Allies on NATO’s eastern flank.”
Regarding the presence of Dutch F-35s, this is not their first deployment for Baltic Air Policing Missions. The previous occasion was in 2023, operating from Malbork Air Base in Poland.
Thus, just days after the deployment began on December 1, the Netherlands Air Force F-35s were put on alert as the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) protocol was activated. While no further details were provided, multiple contacts were detected throughout the day. As is often the case, these aircraft were flying without a filed flight plan and with transponders turned off.
Guided by NATO radar systems, the F-35s identified the presence of a Su-24 Fencer aircraft. Based on the markings visible in photographs (including the Saint Andrew’s flag), it was identified as the Su-24MR Fencer E variant in service with the Naval Aviation of the Russian Navy. This version of the aircraft is modified for tactical reconnaissance and intelligence collection missions.
Additionally, reports indicated that two other Russian aircraft were intercepted on the same day, including an Antonov An-72 transport aircraft (NATO designation Coaler). Later, the Netherlands Ministry of Defense also confirmed the interception of an Il-20 Coot A signals intelligence aircraft.
Finally, such incidents have become routine between NATO forces and the Russian Armed Forces stationed at their respective bases in Kaliningrad in recent months. Similar events have been recorded involving aircraft from the German and Italian Air Forces, among others, demonstrating response times and reaction capabilities while serving as a show of deterrence.
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