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Volkel Air Base

Volkel Air Base (Dutch: Vliegbasis Volkel) is a major military airfield of the Royal Air Force located near the village of Volkel in the municipality of , province, . The base primarily conducts air support and air defense operations, serving as one of two sites for F-35 Lightning II following the retirement of F-16 Fighting Falcons in September 2024. It houses the , including No. 312 and No. 313 s, which execute -integrated combat missions. A defining feature is its role in nuclear sharing, where the U.S. 's 703rd Munitions Support Squadron maintains an estimated 10-20 B61 thermonuclear gravity bombs for potential delivery by aircraft, with integration training for the upgraded B61-12 variant ongoing since at least 2021. The base's strategic importance stems from its contributions to alliance deterrence, though it has faced scrutiny over nuclear storage safety, including incidents involving inert training weapons.

Geographical and Operational Overview

Location and Infrastructure

Volkel Air Base (ICAO: EHVK) is situated in the municipality of Uden, North Brabant province, Netherlands, approximately 3 kilometers northwest of Uden town center and near the village of Volkel. The base occupies flat terrain at coordinates 51°39′26″N 005°41′27″E, with an elevation of 22 meters (72 feet) above mean sea level. As a restricted military installation, it features secure perimeter defenses and limited civilian access, supporting operations for the Royal Netherlands Air Force. The airfield infrastructure centers on two parallel runways oriented 06/24: 06L/24R extends 3,029 meters by 45 meters, while 06R/24L measures 2,886 meters by 45 meters, both equipped with lighting for all-weather operations. displacements apply to certain ends for , with 06L featuring a 135-meter at both thresholds. Support facilities include hardened aircraft shelters (HAS), with 32 protective units dispersed across the base to shield combat from threats. Additional infrastructure encompasses maintenance hangars, logistics depots, fuel storage, and for personnel, enabling sustained tactical air operations. The layout prioritizes and defensive , reflecting its in -aligned air defense.

Strategic Role in NATO Operations

Volkel Air Base serves as a cornerstone of 's forward-deployed air power in , hosting dual-capable from the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) that contribute to the Alliance's as well as strike capabilities. The base's 312th and 313th Squadrons operate F-35A Lightning II jets, which assumed full nuclear delivery responsibilities on June 1, 2024, replacing F-16s under 's framework, enabling rapid response to threats in the European theater. This positioning enhances 's deterrence posture against potential aggression from , with the base's infrastructure supporting (QRA) missions and with Allied forces. Annually, Volkel hosts Steadfast Noon, NATO's premier nuclear deterrence exercise, which in 2025 served as the primary hub involving over 60 aircraft from multiple member states simulating non-proliferation, weapon security, and delivery procedures without live ordnance. Exercise activities at Volkel, including F-35 takeoffs and coordination with bases like and Kleine-Brogel, underscore the base's role in maintaining credible second-strike options and Alliance cohesion amid heightened geopolitical tensions. The U.S. Air Force's 703rd Munitions Support , embedded at Volkel, provides logistical and for these operations, ensuring seamless integration of American munitions with Dutch platforms. Beyond exercises, Volkel bolsters NATO's peacetime air policing and crisis response, with its F-35s participating in Baltic and enhanced air policing missions, such as deployments to in 2025 to safeguard supply routes to . This operational tempo, validated during NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's September 18, 2025 visit, highlights Volkel's strategic value in sustaining Alliance-wide air superiority and collective defense commitments under Article 5. The base's upgrades, including hardened aircraft shelters and secure storage facilities, further enable sustained high-tempo operations in contested environments.

Historical Development

Establishment and World War II Usage

Volkel Air Base, originally known as Vliegveld Uden, was constructed by the German in 1940 as a diversion airfield for emergency landings. In 1943, the facility was significantly expanded into a full operational base, designated Fliegerhorst Volkel, to support combat aircraft. During , the base primarily hosted night fighter units, including the III. Gruppe of Nachtjagdgeschwader 2 (NJG 2), which operated aircraft for intercepting Allied bombers. The airfield served as a strategic point for defending against Allied air raids and protecting German industrial targets in the region. Allied forces repeatedly targeted Volkel with bombing raids, such as an attack on September 3, 1944, by squadrons that cratered the runway to hinder German operations. Following the Allied liberation of the in late , the base was captured and repurposed by the Royal Air Force (RAF) as an advanced landing ground. The RAF's Second Tactical Air Force units, including elements of No. 122 Wing and No. 136 Wing with squadrons such as No. 418 and No. 605, operated from Volkel through the war's end, employing aircraft like Hawker Typhoons for ground attack and missions. Usage continued until September 1945, after which the airfield was handed back to Dutch authorities, though significant reconstruction was required due to wartime damage.

Cold War Era and Nuclear Mission Initiation

Following , Volkel Air Base transitioned to peacetime operations under the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF), initially serving as a training facility for fighter pilots amid the emerging tensions in . By the 1950s, the base hosted RNLAF squadrons equipped with jet aircraft, such as the and later the , contributing to NATO's air defense posture against potential Soviet aggression. The initiation of Volkel's nuclear mission stemmed from a secret bilateral agreement between the and the signed in 1960, enabling the storage of U.S. atomic weapons on Dutch soil as part of NATO's framework. Shortly thereafter, the accepted these weapons, with Volkel Air Base designated as the primary storage site by the early 1960s, housing U.S. Air Force-controlled nuclear bombs intended for delivery by RNLAF aircraft. This arrangement was confirmed in practice by 1963, as noted by former during his time working at the base. Under this mission, RNLAF pilots from squadrons such as No. 312 and No. 313 underwent specialized training to employ tactical nuclear weapons, integrating U.S. B61 gravity bombs—developed in the early 1960s—with Dutch fighter-bombers like the Northrop NF-5 and later the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter. The weapons remained under U.S. custody, with storage in secure facilities at Volkel, ensuring rapid release procedures in wartime scenarios to deter Warsaw Pact advances. This nuclear posture at Volkel exemplified NATO's forward-deployed deterrence strategy throughout the Cold War, maintaining approximately 20-30 warheads at the site during peak periods, though exact numbers were classified.

Post-Cold War Modernization and Transitions

Following the end of the in 1991, Volkel Air Base adapted to a transformed security landscape, with reducing its overall reliance on tactical nuclear weapons while retaining a limited U.S. stockpile of B61 gravity bombs at the facility under the alliance's framework. This shift emphasized flexible, expeditionary roles over static forward defense, though the base's 312th and 313th Squadrons continued F-16 operations aligned with 's evolving deterrence posture. In the and , the base underwent incremental modernizations, including mid-life updates to its F-16 Fighting Falcon fleet, which incorporated advanced avionics, precision-guided munitions compatibility, and structural reinforcements to extend service life and meet interoperability standards. These enhancements sustained the aircraft's certification for nuclear delivery missions, with Dutch F-16MLU variants remaining the designated platform for potential B61 employment. Concurrently, infrastructure adjustments supported participation in post-Cold War air campaigns, though squadrons often forward-deployed from Volkel for operations like Balkan enforcement actions. The 2010s marked a pivotal transition toward fifth-generation capabilities, as the Royal Netherlands Air Force selected the F-35A Lightning II to replace the F-16, with Volkel designated as a key operational hub alongside . Initial F-35 deliveries to the began in 2019, followed by progressive integration at Volkel, including simulator facilities and weapons bays adapted for stealth operations. By March 2024, F-35s from Volkel assumed Air Policing duties, replacing F-16s in quick-reaction alert scrambles against violations. A cornerstone of this modernization was the certification of the F-35 for NATO's nuclear mission; on June 1, 2024, it fully supplanted the F-16 in delivering the upgraded , which features improved accuracy via GPS and inertial guidance over prior variants. Integration training for the commenced at Volkel in 2021, involving joint Dutch-U.S. exercises to validate loading, arming, and release procedures under simulated combat conditions. The base's F-16 era concluded with the retirement of the final aircraft in October 2024, after 45 years of service, enabling full fleet concentration on F-35 capabilities. Security enhancements complemented these aviation transitions, driven by heightened threats from state actors and non-state elements. The Dutch Defence White Paper of directed expansion of Volkel's unit to bolster defenses against drones, , and , including reinforced perimeters and advanced surveillance systems to safeguard nuclear assets and operations. These measures reflect NATO's broader adaptation to risks post-2014 annexation, ensuring the base's resilience in an era of contested airspace and peer competition.

Based Units and Capabilities

Royal Netherlands Air Force Components

The (RNLAF) operates its primary tactical fighter squadrons at Volkel Air Base as part of the , focusing on multirole missions including air-to-air combat, precision strikes, and certified delivery of weapons under the alliance's sharing agreement. The base hosts No. 312 Squadron and No. 313 Squadron, both equipped with F-35A Lightning II fighters, which achieved full operational capability for tasks on June 1, 2024, succeeding the retired F-16AM/BM fleet. These units conduct training, deterrence patrols, and deployed operations across theaters, leveraging the F-35's advanced sensors and interoperability for joint missions. No. 312 , known as the "Bonzo" squadron, transitioned from F-16 Fighting Falcons—introduced at Volkel in 1984—to F-35As, with the squadron retaining operational F-16s until their final retirement flight on September 27, 2024. It specializes in advanced tactics development and , including integration with allied forces for beyond-visual-range engagements and ground attack profiles. No. 313 Squadron, the "Tiger" squadron, was reactivated on June 30, 2022, marking the arrival of its inaugural F-35A at Volkel and initiating buildup to initial operational capability. Previously disbanded in 2005 after F-16 operations at , it relocated to Volkel and now emphasizes stealth-enabled roles, participating in exercises like NATO's for multinational . Supporting these squadrons are dedicated RNLAF and elements, including specialized teams for F-35 sustainment, weapons loading, and mission planning, ensuring rapid sortie generation rates amid heightened European security demands. These components collectively enable Volkel's role as a forward-operating hub for RNLAF contributions to NATO's enhanced forward presence.

United States Air Force Support Elements

The primary support element at Volkel Air Base is the 703rd Munitions Support Squadron (703rd MUNSS), a geographically separated unit of the based at , . This squadron operates under – Air Forces (USAFE-AFAFRICA) and maintains a presence at Volkel to execute munitions-related missions in coordination with the Royal Netherlands Air Force. The 703rd MUNSS's core mission involves receiving, storing, maintaining, and providing custody and control of U.S. munitions, with a focus on supporting the strike capabilities of the Royal Air Force's . Personnel from the squadron, comprising active-duty airmen across specialized career fields, collaborate with counterparts under bilateral agreements to ensure operational readiness for joint missions, including surety tasks. This facilitates the secure handling and of U.S.-provided weapons systems, enhancing alliance deterrence without establishing a permanent U.S. combat wing at the base. In recent activities, the 703rd MUNSS has supported training evolutions for advanced munitions, such as the B61-12 nuclear gravity bomb, aligning with NATO's nuclear deterrence exercises conducted at Volkel. As of September 2025, the squadron's role was highlighted during a visit by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, underscoring its contributions to collective defense amid heightened European security concerns. The unit's operations emphasize precision maintenance and security protocols to safeguard strategic assets stored at the base.

Nuclear Deterrence and Weapons Integration

U.S.-Netherlands Nuclear Sharing Agreement

The U.S.-Netherlands nuclear sharing arrangement at Volkel Air Base originated from a secret bilateral agreement signed on February 15, 1960, between the United States Air Force and the Royal Netherlands Air Force, permitting the deployment and storage of U.S. nuclear bombs at the base. This pact was part of the broader NATO nuclear sharing framework established during the Cold War to enhance alliance deterrence against the Soviet Union, with the U.S. retaining ownership and custody of the weapons while training Dutch pilots for potential delivery roles. Under the arrangement, U.S. B61 gravity bombs—non-strategic nuclear weapons—are stored in secure vaults at Volkel, accessible only to U.S. personnel until wartime release by the U.S. president, after which Dutch aircraft could employ them in coordination with NATO command structures. Post-Cold War, the U.S. maintained nuclear storage at Volkel under auspices, with an estimated 10-15 B61 bombs present as of 2023, designated for delivery by Dutch F-16MLU Fighting Falcons certified for the nuclear mission. Dutch participation involves rigorous training, including integration exercises with the upgraded B61-12 variant, which began at Volkel around to ensure compatibility with emerging F-35A Lightning II aircraft slated to assume the dual-capable role by the late . The Dutch government adheres to a policy of neither confirming nor denying the weapons' presence, citing security protocols, though former Ruud Lubbers publicly affirmed their existence in 2013, describing about 20 B61 bombs at the site. This sharing mechanism underscores U.S. extended deterrence commitments to NATO allies, allowing non-nuclear states like the Netherlands to contribute to collective defense without independent nuclear arsenals, while U.S. custody ensures alignment with Washington's strategic release authority. Annual NATO exercises, such as Steadfast Noon, validate interoperability, with Volkel hosting segments involving Dutch and U.S. forces to simulate nuclear operations. Despite domestic debates and protests, the arrangement persists as a cornerstone of NATO's nuclear posture, adapted to modern threats including Russian aggression.

B61 Bomb Storage, Training, and Delivery Systems

Volkel Air Base serves as one of five NATO locations in Europe storing U.S. B61 thermonuclear gravity bombs under the nuclear sharing agreement, with an estimated 10-20 such weapons present as of 2023. These include legacy B61-3 and B61-4 variants, with integration of the newer B61-12 guided bomb underway. The bombs are housed in underground Weapons Storage and Security System (WS3) vaults integrated into 11 hardened aircraft shelters, each vault capable of securing up to four weapons but typically holding 1-2. U.S. Air Force munitions support squadrons maintain custody and security, ensuring compliance with permissive action link safeguards that prevent unauthorized use. Training for B61 handling and employment occurs at Volkel, involving (RNLAF) personnel from the 311, 312, and 313 Squadrons alongside U.S. specialists. Integration training with inert B61-12 trainers began around 2021, predating full operational deployment of the variant in Europe. In September 2024, RNLAF F-16s were observed conducting flights with B61-12 training rounds attached, simulating tactical nuclear delivery profiles. These exercises emphasize load crew procedures, vault access simulations, and aircraft integration, using non-nuclear replicas to maintain proficiency without risking live weapons. Dutch crews undergo recurrent certification to standards, often coordinated with U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa for dual-key authorization protocols. Delivery systems at Volkel rely on dual-capable RNLAF fighters certified for B61 employment. The F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcons of the 311 Squadron currently serve as the primary platform, equipped with nuclear delivery modifications including upgraded avionics for precision guidance. Transition to the F-35A Lightning II, operated by the 312 and 313 Squadrons, advanced with initial certification achieved in November 2023, enabling future B61-12 carriage on stealth-configured missions. The B61's design supports free-fall, parachute-retarded, and modes, with yields selectable from 0.3 to 340 kilotons, though tactical use would require U.S. presidential release authority. Ongoing upgrades, including WS3 enhancements for B61-12 compatibility, ensure sustained interoperability amid NATO's deterrence posture.

Security, Incidents, and Controversies

Major Protest Events and Arrests

In the , amid NATO's plans to deploy U.S. cruise missiles in , Volkel Air Base became a site of significant anti-nuclear demonstrations in the . On April 7, 1984, approximately 100 protesters were arrested after attempting to block entrances to the base in opposition to the missile deployments, reflecting broader Dutch public resistance to nuclear escalation during the . A women's peace camp operated near Volkel from the late 1970s into the early 1980s, organized as part of efforts against the accelerating , with participants engaging in sustained nonviolent actions to highlight the base's role in nuclear hosting. Protests resurfaced in the 21st century, often tied to U.S.-Dutch . On September 25, 2021, several hundred demonstrators, including members of the (SP) and group PAX, gathered at the base to oppose the renewal of the Netherlands' nuclear weapons task, though no mass arrests were reported. A wave of civil disobedience actions occurred in August 2023, protesting the storage of U.S. B61 bombs. On August 7, around 60 activists blockaded the base's five main gates for 78 minutes, symbolizing one minute per reported at the site. On August 8, ten protesters—including six U.S. citizens, three nationals, and one German—were arrested after cutting through the fence, entering the base, and occupying the runway, where they knelt, displayed banners, and affixed copies of the Non-Proliferation Treaty to the tarmac. Fifteen additional individuals were detained on August 9 for attempting to breach the perimeter fence during follow-up demonstrations. In total, arrested 25 nonviolent protesters across these events, who were released after receiving minor fines, with some actions explicitly linking armament to risks. During NATO's Steadfast Noon nuclear deterrence exercise in October 2025, five peace activists were arrested on October 16 near a adjacent to the base after gathering to the maneuvers, which involved simulated operations at Volkel.

Security Protocols and Incident Responses

Volkel Air Base maintains robust security protocols befitting its designation as a host for B61 bombs under NATO's -sharing , with eleven Weapons Storage and Survivability System (WS3) vaults securing the arsenal—five designated as "hot" for active storage and six as "cold" for contingency use. These vaults are safeguarded by layered defenses, including reinforced perimeter fencing, continuous surveillance via fixed and mobile cameras, and scheduled patrols by security forces from the 701st Munitions Support Squadron, integrated with and Koninklijke Marechaussee personnel for base-wide oversight. Protocols emphasize personnel reliability screening, two-person integrity rules for handling classified areas, and rapid response teams equipped for non-lethal and lethal threat neutralization, as routinely validated through NATO exercises like Steadfast Noon, which simulate deterrence scenarios including base defense against aerial and ground incursions. Incident responses prioritize containment, apprehension, and post-event debriefs to refine procedures, as evidenced by multiple activist intrusions. In March 2014, four Dutch peace activists breached the perimeter fencing, accessed the secure storage area, and photographed WS3 shelters before being detected and arrested by base security forces, prompting an internal review of patrol routes and access controls but no reported compromise of weapons integrity. A similar event unfolded on August 8, 2023, when ten protesters scaled the fence and occupied the runway in a against hosting; Koninklijke Marechaussee swiftly detained them without disruption to operations, underscoring coordinated Dutch-U.S. response protocols that minimize while ensuring continuity of mission-critical functions. Insider vulnerabilities have also tested response mechanisms, notably in May 2021 when U.S. personnel inadvertently disclosed locations, camera positions, and patrol frequencies via public flashcard study apps on platforms like , leading to immediate U.S. Department of Defense investigations, app content removals, and reinforced training on data handling to mitigate digital leaks. In April 2023, circulated imagery purporting a damaged at Volkel was rapidly debunked by clarification as an inert training from a scheduled exercise, averting misinformation-fueled through prompt official verification and media outreach. These episodes reveal persistent challenges from both external activists exploiting physical gaps and internal actors via unsecured digital tools, yet no verified instances of compromise have occurred, affirming the efficacy of core physical safeguards amid evolving threats.

Strategic and Geopolitical Importance

Contributions to Alliance Deterrence

Volkel Air Base bolsters NATO's deterrence strategy as one of five European sites hosting U.S. under the alliance's framework, with an estimated 10-15 weapons stored there for potential delivery by aircraft. The Royal Air Force's 312th , based at Volkel, operates dual-capable F-35A fighters certified for nuclear missions, having assumed this role from F-16s on June 1, 2024, marking the first such certification for F-35s in Europe. This capability ensures rapid response options, reinforcing the alliance's extended deterrence against threats, particularly from , by coupling U.S. warheads with host-nation delivery systems. The base facilitates joint U.S.-Dutch operations, with the U.S. Air Force's 701st Munitions Support Squadron providing custody, maintenance, and security for the weapons, enabling seamless integration during contingencies. Volkel's infrastructure supports nuclear weapons handling training, including simulated loading procedures for the 312th Squadron, which maintains proficiency in both conventional and nuclear strike roles as part of NATO's collective defense commitments. These elements project alliance resolve, deterring aggression through visible forward-deployed assets and . Annually, Volkel hosts segments of NATO's Steadfast Noon exercise, a key deterrence drill simulating non-strategic scenarios without live weapons. In October 2025, the exercise involved over 70 from 14 allies and approximately 2,000 personnel, with primary operations at Volkel, emphasizing command-and-control, dispersal, and survivability amid contested environments. Such training underscores the base's role in maintaining operational readiness, contributing to NATO's overarching goal of credible deterrence by demonstrating unity and technical competence across member states.

Recent Developments and Future Enhancements

In 2022, the first four F-35A Lightning II aircraft arrived at Volkel Air Base on June 30, re-establishing the 313 Squadron as part of the Royal Netherlands Air Force's transition from F-16 Fighting Falcons to the advanced stealth fighters. This marked the base's integration of dual fighter operations, with mixed F-16 and F-35 flights observed as early as January 2023 to facilitate training and operational handover. By November 2023, F-35As achieved initial certification for missions, enabling them to integrate with the U.S. B61-12 bombs stored at Volkel under 's agreement. On June 1, 2024, the F-35 fully assumed the ' nuclear deterrence role from the F-16, enhancing the base's capabilities for missions including duties alongside aircraft from . The F-16 fleet's drawdown accelerated in 2024, with Volkel's squadrons transferring aircraft for donation to ; the final batch departed the base on May 26, 2025, leaving F-35s as the primary combat aircraft. Full operational capability for the F-35 fleet was declared in September 2024, coinciding with the retirement of the F-16 after 45 years of service. On September 18, 2025, Secretary General visited Volkel to underscore its role in alliance air policing and deterrence amid heightened European security concerns. Looking ahead, the plans to acquire additional F-35As beyond the initial 52 ordered, as announced in September 2024, to bolster Volkel's squadrons and sustain commitments. These enhancements will support advanced integration of , stealth, and precision strike capabilities, including ongoing certification for B61-12 delivery, while the base adapts infrastructure for sustained F-35 operations and potential collaborative programs like U.S.-Dutch wingman development announced in October 2025. No major physical expansions are publicly detailed, but the transition prioritizes maintaining Volkel's status as a key nuclear-capable hub.

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