Stealth F-35 Fighters are Moving Closer to Russia

Key Points and Summary on F-35: In a significant show of NATO solidarity, the Netherlands and Norway will deploy their F-35 stealth fighters to Poland for a three-month air policing mission starting September 1.

-The Dutch Ministry of Defense confirmed the joint operation, which will operate under NATO command to protect the vital supply line of military equipment flowing through Poland to Ukraine.

-The deployment comes as Poland is set to receive its own fleet of 32 F-35s, with Polish pilots already training in the US.

-This move sends a strong deterrent message to Russia about the alliance’s commitment to defending its eastern flank.

NATO Dutch, Norwegian F-35s Deploy To Poland Defending Ukraine Supply Line

NATO supplies to Ukraine, currently being transported through Poland, will be deployed in Poland under NATO command to protect the equipment supplies to Ukraine. This mission aims to ensure the safe arrival of matériel donated by NATO member states.

The Dutch aircraft will operate alongside Norwegian F-35 fighters under NATO command. Their role falls within the Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) scenario, requiring aircraft to remain on standby 24 hours a day to respond to any potential intrusions into NATO airspace.

The three-month deployment is slated to take place between September 1 and December 1.

Dutch MOD Statement Supports NATO Ukraine Assistance

The deployment follows a request from the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), NATO’s European headquarters. SHAPE is coordinating the deployment and operations of the fighter aircraft.

“It is essential that we contribute to the defense of NATO territory and the security of Europe,” Dutch Minister of Defense Ruben Brekelmans said in the statement. “We are once again doing so with our most advanced capabilities.”

In the statement by the Dutch Minister of Defense, he added that, “By using these Dutch F-35s to monitor the airspace over Eastern Europe, we protect military equipment intended for Ukraine.

“We can also respond quickly to (imminent) violations of NATO airspace. In this way, we keep the Russian threat at bay. Estonia has also recently shown that the use of our F-35s is very effective.”

Dutch Praise Poland’s Leadership

Minister Brekelmans praised the leadership of the Poles inside the NATO command structure.

“Poland mattered to us not only eighty years ago but remains a pillar of security today. Thanks to Polish leadership, the entire NATO can see that achieving 5 percent of GDP on defence spending is possible.

“Without Poland, it would have been very difficult.” He also highlighted opportunities for cooperation between the Polish and Dutch defence industries.

Poland has signed a special memorandum with the Netherlands aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries in matters of security and defense.

As Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak Kamysz explained, the agreement covers several concrete areas: an intensification of joint military exercises and efforts to build proficiency on the most advanced US equipment already in Dutch service, and, soon, in the Polish Armed Forces as well (F 35s, Apache helicopters, and Patriot air defense systems).

This is the kind of cooperation that is needed throughout NATO. The nations are stepping up and working seamlessly together, just as the Alliance was always envisioned.

Norway’s F-35 Order Was Completed This Spring

Lockheed Martin delivered the final F-35A aircraft to the Royal Norwegian Air Force in early April, making Norway the first F-35 partner nation to complete its scheduled procurement.

The F-35’s capabilities will bolster Norway’s defense sovereignty and enhance cooperation with European allies, particularly within the Nordic region.

Tore Sandvik, Norwegian Minister of Defense, said: “The F-35 is the world’s best fighter jet, and I am very pleased that we will receive the last of the 52 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin that Norway has ordered.

Poland Soon To Get F-35 Stealth Aircraft

With Dutch and Norwegian F-35s deploying to Poland, soon the Polish Air Force will operate the fifth-generation stealth fighter as well.

Poland is acquiring F-35 fighter jets. They have ordered 32 of these advanced stealth aircraft, with the first deliveries occurring in late 2024. The F-35s will enhance Poland’s air defense capabilities and contribute to NATO’s deterrence posture in Eastern Europe.

Polish pilots are already undergoing training on the F-35 at Ebbing Air Force Base in Arkansas. The first two F-35s arrived in December 2024, with deliveries continuing through the end of the decade. Currently, three Polish pilots have completed training in the US.

The F-35s will replace Poland’s aging MiG-29 and Su-22 aircraft, strengthening Poland’s air force and contributing to NATO’s collective defense.

The F-35s will provide Poland with a cutting-edge air defense capability, enhancing regional security and interoperability with other NATO allies.

With this deployment by NATO, which combines Dutch, Norwegian, and Polish cooperation, the Alliance is sending a strong message to Russia and President Vladimir Putin that Western support for Ukraine is unwavering.

About the Author:

Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.

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