Frisian Flag 2019, Leeuwarden AB, Netherlands

Lockheed Martin F-16CM 91-0349 179FS/148FW Minnesota ANG
Lockheed Martin F-16CM 91-0349 179FS/148FW Minnesota ANG

Leeuwarden Air Base hosted the major international exercise Frisian Flag 2019 from 1 to 12 April. Some 50 (fighter) aircraft trained large and complex international missions from the airbase.

American, Polish and Dutch pilots fly the F-16. Germans participate with the Eurofighter, French with the Mirage and Swiss with the F-18 Hornet (departed 9 April). From United Kingdom a Gobham Dassault Falcon 20, is used to interfere with the communication with the fighters. This makes their operations extra difficult. In addition, a number of air defense systems should help to make the scenarios as realistic as possible.

Airspace

The exercise takes place not only in the Dutch airspace, but also in that of Germany and Denmark. This requires close cooperation between the airspace control authorities of the three countries. Combat control is in the hands of the Dutch and German Control and Reporting Centre (CRC). An Airborne Early Warning and Control (AWACS) reconnaissance aircraft from Geilenkirchen also contributes to this.

Air-to-air refuelling

Frisian Flag is in combination with the tanker exercise ‘EART’. Germany, England, France, Italy, the Netherlands and the United States supplied tanker aircraft. They were temporarily stationed at Eindhoven Air Base.

Before we made this photo session, the Swiss F/A-18 Hornets had left.

All photos Rob Vogelaar www.zap16.com