Royal Netherlands Air Force’s 313 Squadron will cease F-16 operations in December 2020

Finally, after 32 years of operational service, 313 Tiger Squadron stops operating the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The squadron transitioned to the F-16 in 1988 at Twente air base. After this base was closed, the squadron relocated to Volkel air base.

Starting in January 2021, 313 Squadron will start the transition to the F-35A Lightning II. However, it is not yet known when the first Lightning IIs will be delivered to Volkel. Probably the squadron will be ‘active’ without aircraft in 2021.

The remaining (low flying hours) F-16s will be transferred to sister unit 312 Squadron. According to the Scramble Magazine database, 25 F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcons are operational at Volkel, of which fourteen are operated by 313 squadron.

Photo: Alex van Noye/Runway 28