The Netherlands Ministry of Defence and Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) declared initial operational capability (IOC) for its F-35A fleet on December 27.
With this announcement, the Netherlands becomes the eighth country and 12th military service to declare IOC for its fleet of F-35s.
![F-35A Lightning](https://fullfatthings-keyaero.b-cdn.net/sites/keyaero/files/styles/article_body/public/inline-images/5I4A3050-Edit-Edit-Edit-2.jpg?itok=YqclQ0jV)
Bridget Lauderdale, Lockheed Martin F-35 Programme Vice President and General Manager said: “The declaration of IOC ushers in a new era of air power that gives the RNLAF transformational capabilities. I am proud of the Lockheed Martin team’s commitment to delivering the most effective, survivable and connected fighter to our partners in the Netherlands.”
![F-35A Lightning](https://fullfatthings-keyaero.b-cdn.net/sites/keyaero/files/styles/article_body/public/inline-images/5I4A2734-Edit-Edit%20%282%29.jpg?itok=d9EhfJoL)
A total of 24 F-35s have been delivered to the RNLAF and have passed over 9000 flight hours as a force. A total of 55 RNLAF pilots and 262 maintainers dedicates their time to the F-35A. The F-35A is to replace the F-16 in the front line operational role for the Netherlands.
![F-35A Lightning](https://fullfatthings-keyaero.b-cdn.net/sites/keyaero/files/styles/article_body/public/inline-images/5I4A2727-Edit-Edit%20%282%29.jpg?itok=TbL3d_0S)