Frisian Flag 2020

Dutch F-35A takes off from Eindhoven AB, Netherlands. The RNLAF Lightening IIs to partecipate in the
Frisian Flag 2020 exercise.

This year's session of the multinational exercise Frisian Flag (FF), the Frisian Flag 2020, will take place at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands, from March 23 to April 3. The FF is one of the largest live-fly fighter exercises in Europe that includes Dutch Vipers and dozens of fighter jets from Allied Nations.

Usually more than 50 aircraft are housed on the ramps of Leeuwarden Air Base; twice a day they take part in the so-called "wave" which consists in the serial take-off of all jets to conduct different types of air missions. According to web rumors, the FF20 to include French Mirage 2000s, Finnish and Swiss F-18 Hornets, Dutch F-35As and F-16s, German Typhoons, US F-15 Eagles and Polish and Portuguese F-16s.

The FF20 will mark the debut of fifth generation aircraft in the exercise thanks to the participation of the national Lightening IIs.

UPDATE: the Frisian Flag 2020 has been officially canceled by the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) to mitigate Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Written by Matteo Sanzani

Image: Joris van Boven