Two Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) F-35 stealth fighters, which are deployed in Poland, intercepted a formation of three Russian aircraft.
The Netherlands’ quick intercept alert (QRA) was activated early in the morning of Feb. 13 in Poland. The 2 F-35 fighters were sent into the air to identify and escort a formation of unidentified aircraft approaching the Polish NATO area of responsibility from Kaliningrad.
🇳🇱F-35s carried out their first A-Scramble to intercept Russian SU-27s & a IL-20 flying close to #NATO airspace
Supported by 🇩🇪Eurofighters they shadowed the 🇷🇺 aircraft who were posing a danger to other air users by ignoring international air safety rules#SecuringTheSkies pic.twitter.com/6DbBCvLwPj
— NATO Air Command (@NATO_AIRCOM) February 14, 2023
Upon identification it turned out that the three aircraft were: a Russian intelligence IL-20M Coot-A, which was escorted by two Sukhoi SU-27 Flankers. Netherlands F-35s escorted the formation from a distance and handed over the escort to NATO partners.
See also: Embraer C-390 beats C-130J in the Netherlands and it will become its new tactical transport
F-35 in Poland
There are eight Netherlands F-35s in Poland deployed between February and March. Four of these fighter jets are available at Malbork Air Base for surveillance of NATO airspace over Eastern Europe.
When needed, two aircraft are available to take off within minutes to intercept undeclared or suspicious flights. This happens, for example, when an aircraft approaches NATO airspace without identifying itself. Two other F-35 jets are kept in reserve for this task.
The other four RNLAF F-35s in Poland are completing a training program with allies. Of course, these aircraft can also be used immediately if the situation requires it.
