Volkel Air Base, Military air base in Maashorst, Netherlands
Volkel Air Base is a military installation in Maashorst hosting fighter squadrons of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. The facility features two parallel runways designed for intensive flight operations and pilot training missions.
German forces built the airfield in 1940 during World War II, then Allied forces took control after the war ended. The site subsequently became a permanent base for the Dutch air force and has served in that role since then.
The base holds special viewing days where people from nearby communities can watch military jets take off and see demonstrations by pilots. These events create a connection between the air force and the families living in the surrounding area.
The base sits south of Uden and is accessible by car from major highways in the region. Public access is restricted except during special events when designated viewing areas become available to visitors.
The base operates both F-16 fighters and newer F-35 jets from the same runways, creating a training environment where pilots gain experience with different aircraft systems. This mix of older and cutting-edge technology allows pilots to transition smoothly between generations of fighters.
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