Military exercise Orange Bull brings tactical air operations to northern Netherlands and Belgium
From March 23 to April 5, residents in Groningen, Friesland, and parts of Belgium may notice increased military air activity as the Dutch Air Mobility Command conducts Exercise Orange Bull. Expect low-flying C-130 Hercules aircraft during specified hours, with potential noise and temporary disruptions in the region.
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Exercise Name | Orange Bull |
| Duration | March 23 – April 5, 2026 |
| Primary Location | Eindhoven Air Base (departure/return) |
| Secondary Location | Twente Airport |
| Training Areas | Groningen, Friesland (Netherlands), Belgium |
| Aircraft Involved | 2 C-130 Hercules transport aircraft (336 Squadron) |
| Training Focus | Tactical landings, airdropping cargo and paratroopers |
| Daily Flight Windows | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Fridays: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM) |
| Participating Units | 11 Airmobile Brigade, Netherlands Special Operations Command, Marine Corps, etc. |
| Complaints/Info | Noise complaints / Flight movements |
The Air Mobility Command, part of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, is responsible for air transport operations, including tactical landings and airdrops. These exercises ensure the military remains prepared for real-world missions, such as humanitarian aid deliveries or troop deployments.
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Read the full translated article below
Air Mobility Command conducts exercise in our region
From Monday, March 23 to Friday, April 5, 2026, Exercise Orange Bull will be held from Eindhoven Air Base. During these two weeks, training will focus on tactical landings and the airdropping of cargo and paratroopers at various locations in Groningen, Friesland, and Belgium. Two C-130 Hercules transport aircraft from 336 Squadron at the Air Mobility Command will provide air transport. Airdropping cargo is a key task of the Air Mobility Command. A recent example is the airdropping of aid supplies over Gaza. Exercises like Orange Bull are essential to ensure such missions can be carried out in the future.
Exercises from Eindhoven Air Base
This exercise emphasizes integration and cooperation with partners. The exercise is organized with support from units of other armed forces branches, including 11 Airmobile Brigade, the Netherlands Special Operations Command, and the Netherlands Marine Corps, as well as the Defence Parachute School. Units of the Royal Netherlands Air Force also support Orange Bull, such as the Air Mobile Protection Team (AMPT), the Operational Healthcare Service (OGZ), and units of the Air Mobility Command at Eindhoven Air Base.
All aircraft will depart from and return to Eindhoven Air Base. Twente Airport will also be used during the exercise. During flights to training locations, the aircraft will operate at standard minimum altitudes. Flights will take place daily from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. On Fridays, flights will occur from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM and from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
The airdropping of paratroopers or cargo depends, among other factors, on weather conditions. For this reason, a location may be changed at the last moment or a flight may be canceled. To avoid congestion at a location, exact times and locations will not be disclosed in advance.
Military exercises are meticulously prepared. This is crucial for the units involved and to minimize disruption to the surrounding areas of the training locations. However, some inconvenience may still occur during the exercise. Any complaints can be submitted via the complaints form on www.luchtmacht.nl/geluidshinder. For more information on flight movements, see www.luchtmacht.nl/vliegbewegingen.