One of the original European customers for the F-16 in the 1970s, the Netherlands now operates a much smaller fleet of Fighting Falcons than was the case during the Cold War, but these are very capable multi-role assets following the MLU (Mid-Life Upgrade) programme. Two squadrons each at Volkel and Leeuwarden operate the Royal Netherlands Air Force's F-16s - it is to the Leeuwarden-based units, 322 and 323 Squadrons, that the honour of providing the Dutch F-16 Demo Team for 2014 and 2015 falls. Capt Jeroen 'Slick' Dickens from 323 Squadron is in his first season as display pilot.
Photo credit: Ben Dunnell