Fifth Generation Integration at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands

US and Dutch fifth generation fighters prepare to take off at Leeuwarden Air Base, Netherlands.

In the week from October 16th until October 19th, 2022, American F-22A Raptors were deployed at Leeuwarden Air Base. It was the first time that the F-22 Raptor was deployed to the Netherlands. In total four aircraft were involved during this exercise. The involved aircraft were part of the deployment of the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron which is normally based in Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, United States.

The forward deployment to the Netherlands was led by Major Brenden "Heisman" Torphy, who was the Director of Operations for the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (90 EFS). Brenden has over 1,300 flight hours on the Raptor and he has a total of 1,800 total flying hours.

We had roughly 35 members supporting the forward deployment including pilots, maintenance and other support roles according to the major. The aim of the 90 EFS participation in the forward deployment to the Netherlands was to conduct Agile Combat Employment and to integrate and train with both Dutch and American F-35s. We also participated in Steadfast Noon alongside NATO Allies to enhance interoperability and build a stronger Trans-Atlantic link. Collaborating and integrating on Agile Combat Employment (ACE) or during big exercises alongside our NATO Allies and other fifth generation aircraft improves the resilience and survivability of coalition airpower throughout the European theater.

During the missions the Americans flew every day while in the Netherlands, sometimes even twice a day. Brenden said we had the opportunity to fly with the Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35A units. Next to that also the United States Air Force participated with F-35A Lightning II and F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft both coming from the 48th Fighter Wing from RAF Lakenheath United Kingdom. Training and integrating with other fifth generation aircraft provides our pilots the opportunity to react, respond to, and train to a higher level against an aircraft with advanced capabilities, providing a realistic threat environment. Just as threats have evolved, so has our fifth generation capabilities, training, and interoperability according to the major.

During the scenarios several types of missions were flown. We mainly trained Defensive Counter Air missions (DCA) and some Offensive Counter Air missions (OCA) on the final training flight. DCA is defined as defensive measures designed to detect, identify, intercept, and destroy or negate enemy forces attempting to penetrate or attack through friendly airspace. OCA includes attack operations, sweep, escort flights, and Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD). During all these missions tanker support was available from both the American and European partners. In scenarios like during the exercise Steadfast Noon all these aspects of flying are coming together.