12 November 2014. The Royal Netherlands Air Force received first two Lockheed Martin F-35As as well as highly trained three pilots to support its new air force's fleet. The Dutch Air Force still on task in USA to accomplish IOT&E (Initial Operational Test and Evaluation) fully support by USAF.
Royal Netherlands Air Force has changed its Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II detachment in Florida to 323 Squadron.
RNLAF Lockheed Martin F-35A At Eglin, Florida
Previously the unit operated Lockheed Martin F-16 and officially disbanded at Leeuwarden air base on 31 October 2014.
The 323 Sqn will be on duty conducting initial operation test and evaluation (IOT&E) of the new jet fighter, after that they will have relocation to Edwards Air Force Based in California before 2014 ends.
The new Lockheed Martin F-35A is expected enter full operational in 2019 with total 39 aircraft.
The F-35A is the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant from F-35's family. The F-35A Lightning II is highly functions and interoperable tools for sharing information between military forces. The Royal Netherlands Air Force is the second international partner who receive the Lockheed Martin F-35.