Amsterdam, January 21 - Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, one of Europe's busiest aviation hubs, is set to host a rare and carefully coordinated training exercise featuring F-35 fighter jets operating alongside regular passenger airliners. Scheduled for January 27 and 28, 2026, the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force will deploy four advanced F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters and one multi-role tanker transport aircraft to the civilian facility. This temporary operation underscores the strategic importance of preparing military forces to utilize commercial infrastructure during potential crises, ensuring resilience without compromising daily commercial traffic. Officials emphasize that the exercise is strictly limited in scope and duration, with no plans for permanent military basing at Schiphol.
The exercise focuses on rehearsing dispersed fighter operations, a key concept in modern defense planning that allows military aircraft to operate from non-traditional locations. Amid the constant flow of widebody jets and short-haul flights, the F-35s will practice arrivals, departures, and ground maneuvers while integrating seamlessly into the airport's busy schedule. Coordinated closely with air traffic control, the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure, and Schiphol authorities, the drills include multiple planned movements that will transition the aircraft to dedicated military training areas afterward. This approach tests the feasibility of maintaining high-tempo military operations from a major civilian hub, enhancing overall readiness in dynamic scenarios.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport serves as an ideal venue for this unique civil-military collaboration due to its advanced infrastructure and proximity to Dutch air bases. The presence of the F-35, renowned for its stealth capabilities, sensor fusion, and multirole versatility, highlights the evolving integration of fifth-generation fighters into broader defense strategies. A participating tanker from the NATO Multinational MRTT Unit will demonstrate logistical support, including air-to-air refueling, further simulating real-world requirements. Throughout the two-day period, all activities are designed to minimize disruptions to passengers and airlines, with operations confined to daytime hours.
This rare event at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport highlights the close partnership between civil aviation and national defense in the Netherlands. By conducting such exercises, authorities build preparedness for unforeseen circumstances while maintaining the airport's role as a vital gateway for international travel. The operation reaffirms Schiphol's status as a resilient hub capable of adapting to diverse demands, blending the worlds of commercial passenger flights and cutting-edge military aviation in a controlled, professional manner.