Exercise Frisian Lightning II
On 9 November 2020, the exercise Frisian Lightning II started at Volkel Air Base and during this exercise, the new Dutch F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft from Leeuwarden Air Base were sent to a domestic deployment and by the end of the afternoon, the four brand new F-35A Lightning II fighters landed at Volkel Air Base. The exercise lasted a few days with the aircraft flying two waves per day. The first wave took place in the afternoon (flying in daylight) while the second wave exercised in the evening during darkness.
The intention was that during these flights as many F-35s as possible would be launched in order to train as many pilots as possible. The entire detachment from Leeuwarden consisted of about 150 men and women. The pilots who participated in this exercise were all qualified; they are all trained on the F-35 and have years of experience on the F-16. Previously, the logistics, IT and security departments of the squadron already practiced at Leeuwarden Air Base during the exercise Frisian Lightning I. Here they trained in packing and preparing ground equipment and spare parts, therefore this exercise was a dry run in preparation for a real move.
During this exercise, the 322 Squadron from Leeuwarden was temporarily based at Volkel. This exercise focused on the logistical relocation of the unit and was part of the step-by-step plan that will lead to an initial deployment capacity of the squadron at the end of 2021. The exercise, called Frisian Lightning II, is the second in a series of exercises. The exercise is therefore part of the so-called “Road To Initial Operational Capability” (R2IOC).
The facets of flying such as night flying ops, loading and dropping training bombs are also part of the R2IOC. If the unit achieves Initial Operational Capability (IOC) by the end of 2021, it means that the 322 Squadron will be able to deploy a unit of four F-35s including personnel and equipment for a short period of time anywhere in the world. The next step is a similar deployment exercise abroad.