The Netherlands first operational F-35 on display at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Credit: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company.

Lockheed Martin has rolled out the first operational F-35A Lightning II joint strike fighter (JSF) for the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) at its facility in Fort Worth, Texas, US.

The aircraft will now be stationed at the Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, where F-35A pilot training will take place. It is planned to be delivered to Leeuwarden Air Base in the Netherlands later this year.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The aircraft is the third jet delivered to the Netherlands to date. Lockheed Martin delivered the first two Dutch F-35s in 2013, which are present at Edwards AFB, California, supporting operational testing.

RNLAF commander lieutenant general Dennis Luyt said: “Receiving this F-35 at Leeuwarden Air Base later this year is going to be a huge driver for change for our Air Force and will have a tremendous impact on the relevance of our Air Force as part of the coalition.

“As we look to the future, the Netherlands will serve as a sustainment hub in the European region for maintenance, repair, overhaul, and upgrade projects.”

“We want to be among the best air forces of the world, and the platform of F-35 allows us to do that.”

The RNLAF is planning to procure 37 F-35As from the company to replace its Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcons.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Lockheed Martin chairman, president and CEO Marillyn Hewson said: “From the very beginning of the F-35 programme, the Netherlands has been a key partner in developing, testing, improving, and maintaining this remarkable aircraft.

“Dutch suppliers have provided high-volume production, structural-design support, and advanced technologies, and Dutch aircraft and personnel continue to support ongoing testing and operations for the worldwide F-35 fleet. As we look to the future, the Netherlands will serve as a sustainment hub in the European region for maintenance, repair, overhaul, and upgrade projects.”

According to the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs, the F-35 programme has so far generated contracts worth more than $1bn for the Dutch industry.

The Netherlands participated in the development of the F-35, along with the UK and the US and is now handling the aircraft’s production and sustainment phases.

The F-35 features stealth technology, supersonic speed, advanced sensors, weapons capacity and increased range.

Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 360 F-35s, which are now operating from 16 bases worldwide.