Dutch to begin F-35 training

The Dutch air force will begin training its pilots and ground personnel in the F-35A at the end of October at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. That's what Netherland's Defence Minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said to parliament at the Hague on Oct. 9. Royal Netherlands Air Force personnel will initially begin with class-room training, then pilots and maintenance personnel will move to the tarmac in December to begin flying the F-35A and hands-on mechanical training. (Source: IHS Jane’s Defense Weekly, 10/13/13) Previous/related: Dutch agree to F-35 buy; First Dutch F-35 rolls out