F-35 is the Netherlands' new nuclear attack platform

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. Photo: Mirosław Gawroński/NATO.

Starting this weekend, the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter takes over nuclear strike role from the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF). The 5th generation jet is replacing the veteran F-16 Fighting Falcon, the Netherlands' main combat aircraft for 45 years. 

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The Minister of Defense of the Netherlands, Kajsa Ollongren announced this Thursday (30) that from next Saturday “The advanced fighter will fully take over the Netherlands’ nuclear role in NATO, replacing the F-16.” The move is one of the steps the country takes in the complete transition from the Viper to the F-35A. 

https://x.com/Kon_Luchtmacht/status/1796219079654531470

F-35A stealth fighter launching a test version of the B61-12 tactical nuclear bomb.
F-35A stealth fighter launching a test version of the B61-12 tactical nuclear bomb. Photo: USAF/DoD.

https://x.com/Kon_Luchtmacht/status/1796219079654531470

Pair of F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. Photo: Dutch Ministry of Defense.
Pair of F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. Photo: Dutch Ministry of Defense.

https://x.com/Kon_Luchtmacht/status/1796219079654531470

https://x.com/Kon_Luchtmacht/status/1796219079654531470

https://x.com/Kon_Luchtmacht/status/1796219079654531470

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Gabriel Centeno

Author Gabriel Centeno

Journalism student at UFRGS, spotter and military aviation enthusiast.

Categories: Military, News, News

Tags: Nuclear bomb, F-16, F-35, The Netherlands

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