Scramble in the Netherlands: F-35s launched over drone without transponder

Two F-35s of the Royal Netherlands Air Force were scrambled at the weekend as part of a Quick Reaction Alert (QRA). An unknown object had previously been detected in the national area of responsibility. It was flying at an altitude at which identification and radio contact are mandatory, but it transmitted no transponder signal and did not communicate in any way. The air operations control centre in Nieuw Milligen then gave the order to launch.

On the scene, it became clear that the object was a drone. Shortly afterwards, it flew out of Dutch airspace. Civil air traffic was not affected at any time, and the F-35s then landed back at Volkel. Of all places, it was there that a few weeks ago a drone sighting occurred in which security forces also fired at the unmanned aerial object.

The QRA mission was triggered on Saturday at 10.20, when the radar picked up the object. Even though such scrambles are rare, they show how important constant readiness is: The Dutch F-35s are on call 24/7 and can take off within minutes to intercept unidentified or potentially dangerous aerial objects – increasingly including drones.

Who is responsible for the scramble in Benelux airspace

Belgium and the Netherlands share the QRA task and take turns. Since November, the Netherlands has again been responsible, protecting not only its own airspace but the entire Benelux airspace.

The missions are directed by the Air Operations Control Station in Nieuw Milligen. It works closely with CAOC Uedem, the NATO headquarters for airspace surveillance.

Once again, the incident shows how important quick reaction forces have become, as drones are increasingly active in both civil and military airspace.