Gli F-35 olandesi intercettano gli aerei russi sul Mar Baltico

**Translation:**

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Dutch F-35s have been monitoring NATO airspace on the eastern border of NATO territory since the beginning of this month. The so-called quick reaction alert (QRA) is part of this assignment. In this, 2 F-35s take off within a few minutes to intercept another aircraft. This happens, for example, when an aircraft approaches NATO airspace without identifying itself.

The QRA was activated twice. In the first flight, 2 aircraft were identified: a transport aircraft of the type AN-72 COALER and a SU-24MR Fencer E. This is a reconnaissance aircraft that collects electronic intelligence. In the afternoon, the QRA was activated again.

This time it turned out to be an IL-20 Coot A spy plane.
The Dutch F-35s escorted the aircraft over international waters at a distance to the border of the NATO area of ​​responsibility.

Value for our safety

Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans: “This is why our people are there: to protect our collective airspace against Russian threats. As was once again evident on Friday, Russian forces are active in various ways near NATO airspace. Our allies in the Baltic states are pleased with our efforts. I am proud of our people who were able to immediately demonstrate their value to our security.”
A Dutch detachment has been deployed in Estonia [since 1 December](https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2024/11/29/f-35s-in-estland-voor-navo-luchtruimbewaking) for the NATO Air Policing mission . With 4 F-35 fighter jets, they are available from Ämari Air Base to [montor NATO airspace](https://www.defensie.nl/actueel/nieuws/2024/12/02/minister-bezoekt-militairen-in-estland-jullie-inzet-is-onmisbaar) above Eastern Europe.

lol they still use those ancient planes