The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) achieved initial operational capability (IOC) Dec. 27, 2021, with their F-35A fleet. The milestone saw the RNLAF become the 12th global military service and eighth country to declare its F-35s ready for operations. 

With this accomplishment, the Netherlands joined a small group of nations that are capable of rapidly deploying an F-35 unit anywhere in the world with supporting personnel. 

The Netherland’s IOC became official after going through numerous steps and a series of exercises at home and abroad, including exercise Frisian Lightning II which required the No. 322 Squadron to relocate from Leeuwarden Air Base to Volkel Air Base in preparation for a deployment in the shortest possible time. The No. 322 Squadron is on constant duty, ready for Quick Reaction Alert.