A Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) F-35A has received a drone kill marking after shooting down a Russian drone during the September 9–10 incursion into Polish airspace.
The incident, which saw around 23 drones cross from Belarus into Poland, triggered a NATO-wide Quick Reaction Alert and was described by Polish leaders as an “unprecedented case of an attack” on NATO territory.
The engagement was carried out by an F-35A of the 313th Squadron, deployed to Poland as part of NATO’s enhanced air policing mission. The Dutch Ministry of Defence later released an image showing a white drone silhouette painted below the canopy rail of the aircraft, marking the first confirmed combat kill for a Dutch Lightning II.
According to Polish officials, the drones entered Poland around 23:30 local time on 9 September, forcing the closure of Warsaw International, Warsaw Modlin, Rzeszów–Jasionka and Lublin airports. At least four drones were shot down, most by Dutch fighters. Analysts later identified several of the drones as Gerbera-type decoys, apparently designed to test allied defences and disrupt civil aviation.
Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans, who visited the Dutch F-35 detachment in Poland days after the incident, praised the professionalism and teamwork involved. “Russia’s reckless aggression continues,” he said. “By stationing F-35s in Poland, the Netherlands is demonstrating its readiness with allies, because NATO’s eastern border is also our security border.” He highlighted not only the role of the pilots, but also the mechanics and ground crews, who ensured the jets were combat-ready.
The deployment of Dutch F-35s to Poland began on 1 September and will run until December, with the aircraft tasked to protect NATO airspace and deter further Russian incursions. From December, the Netherlands will also reinforce the mission with Patriot surface-to-air missiles, NASAMS, and counter-drone systems, bolstering Poland’s role as a logistics hub for support to Ukraine.
The September drone incursion marked one of the largest airspace violations by Russia since the start of its invasion of Ukraine. Poland invoked Article 4 of the NATO treaty in response, warning allies that Russian and Belarusian military activity represented an escalating threat. In the days after the incident, Russia and Belarus staged large-scale joint exercises, while NATO launched Operation Eastern Sentry to strengthen its air defences across the eastern flank.
For the Royal Netherlands Air Force, the kill marking underscores both the combat credibility of the F-35 and the country’s willingness to take an active role in Europe’s collective defence. The F-35A, with its advanced sensor fusion and stealth, is optimised for detecting and engaging drones that might evade older radar systems. Dutch officials stressed that its deployment has already proven vital in securing NATO’s skies against Russian provocations.
