No expansion of fighter aircraft capacity at Leeuwarden Air Base
The Ministry of Defence has indicated that Leeuwarden Air Base is not eligible for expansion of fighter jet capacity. This means that the air capacity at the base will remain the same, and there will be no increase in the number of flight movements beyond the existing agreements.
In recent years, noise pollution around Leeuwarden Air Base has increased. Many residents of Leeuwarden and surrounding villages experience noise pollution from the F35 fighter jets. Further increase is not acceptable. Therefore, Leeuwarden Air Base will not be further investigated to expand the fighter jet capacity.
Although the location has not been definitively ruled out in the investigation into the expansion of fighter aircraft capacity, the chance is very small that Leeuwarden Air Base will be included as the preferred alternative in the Policy Vision for Defence Space. The final decision is expected in the spring of 2025.
You can read more information on the website www.defensie.nl/ruimtevoordefensie.