Dutch MQ-9 Reapers to Fly for Another Year Over NATOs Eastern Flank

The Netherlands contributes with 2 unarmed MQ-9 Reapers from Romania for another year to the defense of NATOs eastern flank. The unmanned aircraft are deployed to gather intelligence. A third aircraft will be brought to the Netherlands, creating more space for national activities. This is stated by Minister Ruben Brekelmans in a letter to the House of Representatives.

The deployment of 2 MQ-9 Reaper aircraft and air force personnel will last until March 31, 2026, due to the extension. They assist in Romania with so-called Air Shielding operations, aiming to monitor the situation at the border of the NATO treaty area.

The unmanned aircraft collect data and information from the air. With sensors, the system assists in building a good situational picture.

Information

The deployment is a direct support of NATO but occurs under national responsibility. NATO shares its intelligence needs with the Netherlands, which then determines how to meet those needs and how it is done. The processing of the information remains a national responsibility.

Approximately 120 personnel are involved in the deployment. About 35 military personnel maintain and guard the aircraft at Air Force Base Campia Turzii in Romania. The majority of the detachment carries out tasks at Leeuwarden Air Base, which include mission planning, piloting the MQ-9, and processing intelligence products.