Lex van Eck

The F-16 Fighting Falcon was chosen in the 1970s as the successor to both the F104 Starfighter and the NF-5 Freedom Fighter.

Leeuwarden Air Base (Squadron 322 and 323) was the first to be equipped with this type in 1979, after which in the following years Twente and Volkel Air Base (Squadron 306-312 and 313) were also equipped.

Protection of the territory of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and participation in strategic air operations are the main tasks of the F-16.

The F-16s have undergone several updates and have resulted in the version that is still operational. After a long and successful service in the RNLAF, it will be retired in 2023.