Home Air Netherlands and Spain strengthen support for NATO in Iraq

Exercise Noble Jump 2017 — Image of US CH-47 Chinook helicopter, taking part in a joint Air Assault exercise with the American 1st Battalion, 3 Aviation Regiment, 12 Combat Aviation Brigade. As they practise joint operations on Exercise Noble Jump 17. Exercise Noble Jump 17 is a logistical challenge that will test the ability of all the participants to deliver a fighting force to wherever it is needed. The movements will all be controlled by NATO's Multi-National Division South East HQ, based in Bucharest. The VJTF is kept on short notice to move and is able to deploy a powerful well-trained force within days. This year, it is being led by the UK's 20 Armoured Brigade. Overseeing the VJTFs training at Cincu will be a combination of Joint Force Command Naples, Multi-National division South East and the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.

Netherlands and Spain strengthen support for NATO in Iraq

October 31, 2024

The Royal Netherlands Air Force and Spanish Army have expanded their roles within NATO Mission Iraq (NMI), conducting joint air operations with CH-47 Chinook helicopters to aid in capacity building for Iraqi security.

These air elements play a key part in NATO’s broader mission to bolster Iraq’s security, stability, and sovereignty, operating under Iraq’s request since 2018.

In addition to supporting Iraqi armed forces, NMI advisors have extended their guidance to the Iraqi Ministry of Interior to enhance institutional resilience and security.

Lieutenant General Lucas Schreurs of the Royal Netherlands Army, who assumed command in May 2024, remarked on the mission’s collaborative philosophy, stating, “The motto of the mission is ‘building safety and security together’ for a reason…by enabling and encouraging our advisors to continue providing the advice and assistance to our Iraqi interlocutors’ needs.”

The collaborative flights, combining the expertise of Netherlands and Spanish Chinook detachments, are integral to training exercises that hone integration and interoperability for air and ground crews, reinforcing NATO’s support for a secure, Daesh-free Iraq.

All 32 NATO nations, alongside partners Austria and Australia, contribute to NMI, which consists of hundreds of military and civilian advisors and support staff dedicated to Iraq’s security and institutional development.